The Royal Society of Edinburgh

Review 2005 (Session 2003-2004) The Royal Society of Edinburgh Review 2005

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REVIEW OF THE SESSION 2003-2004 The Royal Society of Edinburgh 22-26 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ

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REVIEW OF THE SESSION 2003-2004

PUBLISHED BY THE RSE SCOTLAND FOUNDATION ISSN 1476-4342

CONTENTS Proceedings of the Ordinary Meetings ...... 3 Proceedings of the Statutory General Meeting ...... 5 Trustees Report to 31 March 2004 ...... 19 Auditor’s Report and Accounts...... 35 Schedule of Investments ...... 55 Activities Prize Lectures ...... 59 Lectures...... 109 Conferences, Symposia, Workshops, Seminars and Discussion Forums ...... 159 Publications ...... 195 The Scottish Science Advisory Committee ...... 197 Evidence, Advice and Comment ...... 201 Inquiries ...... 203 Events for Young People ...... 205 Research and Enterprise Awards ...... 209 Medals, Prizes and Prize Lectureships ...... 217 Grants Committee ...... 219 International Programme ...... 221 Fellows’ Social Events ...... 227 Grants, Sponsorship and Donations ...... 229 Changes in Fellowship During the Session ...... 231 Staff ...... 233 Index ...... 235

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ORDINARY MEETINGS 10 November 2003 2 February 2004 Chairman Chairman Professor Andrew Walker VPRSE Lord Sutherland of Houndwood KT FBA PRSE Formal Admission to Fellowship Professor Jeffrey Williams Lecture The Value of the Performing Arts: Lecture An Illustrated Lecture. Professor Grand Challenges for Computing John Wallace OBE FRSE, Principal, Research. Professor Sir Tony Hoare The Royal Scottish Academy of FRS, Senior Researcher, Microsoft Music and Drama. (page 120) Research Ltd. (page 109) 1 March 2004 1 December 2003 Chairman Chairman Professor Andrew Walker VPRSE Professor Gavin McCrone CB VPRSE Election of Fellows (see list on page 231) Formal Admission to Fellowship Sir Gerald Gordon (Honorary Scrutineers Fellow) Professor Roland Paxton MBE FRSE and Professor Vincent Bruce Discussion Proudfoot OBE FRSE Do We Approve of a Jury System for Complicated Trails? Professor Formal Admission to Fellowship Gerry Maher QC, a Commissioner Dr Malcolm Kennedy and Profes- at the Scottish Law Commission, sor Stuart Reid. and The Rt Hon Lord Penrose, Lecture Senator of the College of Justice in Electricity Supply in the New Scotland. (page 162) Century. Dr Malcolm Kennedy 12 January 2004 CBE FREng FRSE, Consultant, PB Power. (page 130) Chairman Professor John Coggins VPRSE 5 April 2004 Discussion Chairman The Cause of Eating Disorders: The Professor John Coggins VPFRSE Individual, the Culture, or Both? Dr Formal Admission to Fellowship Chris Freeman, Consultant Psychia- Professor Paul Bishop, Professor trist, Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Callum Brown, Professor Graham Dr Harry Millar, Consultant Psychia- Caie, Professor Alan Hood, trist, Eating Disorder Service, Royal Professor Anne Magurran, Dr Karl Cornhill Hospital. (page 166) Oparka, Professor Lindsay Pater- son.

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Lecture Professor Deborah Howard, Frank Fraser Darling 1903-1979: Professor Elizabeth Ann Moign- Ecologist, Conservationist, ard, Dr Mark Robert Shaw, Prophet. Professor Palmer Professor David Tollervey, Profes- Newbould, Emeritus Professor of sor David John Webb, Professor Environmental Science, University Bonnie Lynn Webber, Professor of Ulster. (page 138) Eric George Wright. 10 May 2004 Lecture Chairman The Coming Century – Ten Trends Professor Andrew Walker VPFRSE to Back. Miss Frances Cairncross, CBE, FRSE. (page 146) Formal Admission to Fellowship Professor Asen Michaylov Asenov, 6 September 2004 Professor John Alan Dawson, Chairman Professor Roderick Allister Lord Sutherland of Houndwood Mcdonald Galbraith, Professor KT FBA PRSE Richard Milne Hogg, Professor Formal Admission to Fellowship Andrew Peter Mackenzie, Ms Professor Susan Jocelyn Bell Agnes Lawrie Addie Shonaig Burnell, CBE FRS, Professor Oscar Macpherson, Professor Stephen Peter Buneman, Professor Stuart McLaughlin, Professor Philippe Malcolm Cobbe, Professor David George Schyns, Sir John Ward KB John Cooke, Professor David CBE, Professor Alan Jeffrey Welch. Alexander Syme Fergusson, Lecture Professor Bruce Philip Lenman, Broadband Access Technologies: Professor Andrea Mary Nolan, Reality and Myth. Professor Steve Professor Murray George Hornby McLaughlin FRSE, Professor of Pittock, Professor John Arthur Electronic Communication Swaffield, Professor John Richard Systems, Institute of Digital Underhill, Dr Christiaan Richard Communications, The University David Van der Kuyl. of Edinburgh. (page 144) Lecture (Bruce Preller Prize 3 June 2004 Lecture) Chairman The Threat of Terrorism: The Place Professor Andrew Walker VPFRSE of Science. Professor Sir Keith O’Nions FRS, Director General of Formal Admission to Fellowship Research Councils, Office of Professor Brian Ashcroft, Miss Science and Technology. (page Frances Anne Cairncross, CBE, 77)

4 PROCEEDINGS OF THE STATUTORY GENERAL MEETING Minute of the Statutory General Meeting held on 25 October 2004, ending the 221st Session The Annual Statutory Meeting General Secretary took place in the Society’s Wolf- Professor Andrew Miller CBE son Theatre on Monday 25 Treasurer October 2004 at 5.30pm. Lord Mr Edward Cunningham CBE Sutherland of Houndwood, KT, FBA, FRSE, President, took the Fellowship Secretary Chair. Professor Colin Bird, CBE Minutes Ordinary Members The Minutes of the Annual Professor Ron Asher Statutory Meeting held on Mr Ewan Brown CBE Monday 27 October 2003 were Professor Tariq Durrani taken as read, approved by those Professor Rona M MacKie CBE Fellows present and signed by the Dr Ian P Sword CBE President as a correct record. Executive Board Election of Officers and Council General Secretary for the 222nd Session. Professor Andrew Miller CBE It was agreed that Professor P M Treasurer Grant and Professor R N Ibbett Mr Edward Cunningham CBE would act as Scrutineers for the ballot to elect the Officers and Curator Council of the Society for the Dr Brenda E Moon 222nd Session. The ballot papers International Convener were then collected and examined Professor Rona M MacKie CBE and following presentation of the Officers’ Reports (following Programme Convener pages), the Scrutineers reported to Professor Ian H Stevenson the President that Council and Research Awards Convener Office Bearers had been elected Professor David H Saxon OBE unanimously, as follows : Young People’s Convener Council Professor C A Tickle CBE FRS President RSE Scotland Foundation Chair- Lord Sutherland of Houndwood man KT FBA Professor Andrew C Walker Vice-Presidents Professor Gavin McCrone CB, Professor John Coggins Professor John Mavor.

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Annual Review for Fiscal Year and Accounts for the fiscal year 2003-2004. 2003/04, which we are required The President commented that, in to produce to comply with charity addition to producing the formal legislation. Trustees’ Report and Accounts for The General Secretary’s report to 2003-2004 in accordance with the ASM is traditionally an oral Charity Regulations, an illustrated report on the Session and will Annual Review of highlights of appear in full in the Review of the the year (with a summary financial Session published annually and review) was again produced, and will be sent to all Fellows early this had been widely circulated to next year. all Fellows, as well as to many Significant developments during others interested in the Society. the current Session include. This publication was well received and it was agreed this arrange- Changes in Governance and ment should continue. Management - following implementation of a re-organisa- The President then invited tion of the staff structure Professor Andrew Miller to prompted by a review by Dr Chris present the following report: Masters, the Council put forward General Secretary’s Report to plans for significant reshaping the the ASM way the Society is managed. “There are two different annual These proposals were subject to reporting cycles at the Society, viz: detailed consultation with the Fellowship, including two well- - The fiscal year from April to attended Fellows’ meetings held March, and on 31 May and 20 September. - The Session beginning and The level of interest shown by ending on the last Monday in Fellows and the many constructive October. comments received was most gratifying. At the meeting on 20 Reports on both these periods September, the many changes to come to the Annual Statutory the Society’s Laws necessary to Meeting (ASM) which concludes implement the changes in each Session. The overlapping governance and management nature of both these cycles could were approved unanimously, after be a source of confusion and lively debate. These changes take duplication, which we strive to effect from today’s ASM. The minimise. Hence, you were sent principal changes are: an illustrated Annual Review, summarising the highlights from - The Trustee membership of the more detailed Trustees’ Report Council has been reduced from

6 Proceedings of the Annual Statutory Meeting

25 to 12, in order that Council retitled Chief Executive) and the can concentrate more on Director of Finance. governance issues and increase - The other members of the the delegation of management senior staff management group issues to a largely separate will normally attend the Executive Board, consisting of Executive Board, but will not be Office Bearers and senior staff. voting members. - The Council will consist of seven - The roles of Secretaries to Office Bearers, viz: the President, Meetings will cease and their General Secretary, Treasurer, duties re-allocated to the three Vice- Presidents and the Fellowship Secretary and the Fellowship Secretary, and five Programme Convener. Ordinary members, who normally will not be Office - The election of all Council Bearers. members and Office Bearers will take place annually, normally at - The existing offices of Curator, the Annual Statutory Meeting in International Convener, Pro- October, but will be by postal gramme Convener and Research ballot of all Ordinary Fellows Awards Convener will continue (i.e. the vote will not be restrict- with largely unchanged roles, ed to those at the Annual except for the Curator, whose Statutory Meeting). Similar responsibility for ensuring voting arrangements will be building upkeep and mainte- introduced for the election of nance will pass to the General New Fellows. Secretary. All these Office Bearers will cease to be mem- - All Office Bearers and members bers of the Council but will be of Council will continue to serve members of the new Executive up to three years (subject to Board. annual re-election) except the General Secretary, Treasurer and - The Executive Board will replace Programme Convener who can the Business Committee and serve up to four years. will be chaired by the General Secretary (not the President). In · The Annual Statutory Meeting addition to the Office Bearers (ASM) will be held on the first no longer members of Council, Monday in October (not the its voting members will be the last). It is intended that the Treasurer, Convener of the RSE ASM will be arranged to allow Scotland Foundation Trustees, more detailed consideration by the Executive Secretary (to be Fellows of the Trustees’ and Office Bearers’ Reports, and

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hence will not be followed by a expand the range of the public lecture. Society’s activities. - A new independent Audit - Encouraging greater involve- Committee will be created to ment by the Fellowship. replace the Treasurer’s Commit- I hope we will be able to develop tee. the latter aspect later during the I am sure that these extensive ASM. changes will serve us well and I Research and Innovation – two should like to record my of the six core activities of the profound gratitude to the Society shown in the Corporate President for so skilfully piloting Plan are: us through these changes and, especially, for doing so in a way - supporting and enhancing which has not proven divisive excellence in the Scottish within the Fellowship. research base. Corporate Plan – just as it is - supporting the commercialisa- essential to be able to satisfy tion of research and innovation. those who fund the Society’s These are now important areas various range of activities, that of activity for the Society, with there are robust systems of over 60% of last year’s expendi- governance and management in ture being on research awards, place, so too we need to articulate prizes and grants. The funding clearly what the Society wants to for these comes from a broad achieve. The Corporate Plan first range of supporters as demon- produced in 2001 was thoroughly strated by the following new reviewed. This demonstrated that appointments made during the far from being a ‘wish list’ as Session: some feared, the Society was able - 12 Enterprise Fellowships, to meet almost all of the ambi- funded by Scottish Enterprise tious targets it had set. Against this background, the main - 2 Enterprise Fellowships strategic objectives of the new funded by PPARC Corporate Plan for 2004 to 2007 - 3 Scottish Executive Personal are: Fellowships - Consolidating ‘core’ activities, - 3 Scottish Executive Support with improved integration of Fellowships delivery. - 2 Lloyds TSB Personal Fellow- - Seeking new resources to ships develop specific new activities to - 2 Lloyds TSB Studentships

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- 1 BP Fellowship - Professor Sir Philip Cohen FRS - 6 Cormack Vacation Scholar- FRSE, for his outstanding ships contribution to Life Sciences. - 6 Lessells Travel Scholarships - Professor Sir Neil MacCormick FRSE FBA QC, for his out- - 7 Caledonian Research standing contribution to Foundation Visiting Fellow- academic life in Scotland and ships internationally, particularly in These and other awards were the field of legal philosophy, announced at the Annual and Research Awards Reception on - Professor Robin Milner FRS 2 September 2004. FRSE, for his outstanding Having been a research scientist contributions to software myself, I am particularly pleased engineering. that the Society and its funding The Society’s other major award partners are able to offer so is the Gannochy Trust Innova- much to Scottish-based re- tion Award which was searchers and potential presented to Dr Ian Underwood entrepreneurs working here FRSE, for his work in light today. I should also like to emitting polymers in miniature express my thanks to Professor displays. This was awarded at a David Saxon, who chairs several splendid event in the Royal of the Selection Panels for our Museum of Scotland on 1 academic awards and to Dr Ian October. Sword, who chairs the selection process for Enterprise Fellow- Other Prizes were: The Mak- ships. Processing so many dougall Brisbane Prize, to Dr diverse applications is not only James Wright of the University time consuming, but requires of Edinburgh; the BP Prize astute perceptive judgement. Lectureship in the Humanities, which was awarded to Dr Also presented in September Rebecca Kay University of were the Royal Medals for Glasgow; the Gunning Victoria 2004. This is our most prestig- Jubilee Prize Lectureship, ious award conferred with the awarded to Professor Peter approval of the Society’s Patron, Bruce FRSE, of the University of Her Majesty The Queen. St Andrews. Maintaining the high standard of outstanding achievement, Evidence and Advice - this is these Medals were awarded to: now a high-profile activity for which I have direct responsibility, and I am pleased to be able to

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acknowledge the support given by have found our reports most Dr Marc Rands. helpful. This encourages the The Society’s multi-disciplinary Council to continue and we are Fellowship helped provide actively considering options for authoritative advice on a diverse our next Inquiry in 2005. range of public consultations. The Scottish Parliament Science There were 25 submissions Information Scheme was estab- mainly in response to Government lished in 2003 in collaboration requests on both sides of the with the Royal Society of Chemis- border. try and the Scottish Parliament’s The Society also undertook an internal Information Service. This independent Inquiry into the scheme provides rapid, reliable future of the Scottish Fishing information on science-related Industry. This major inquiry, matters for MSPs. The pilot phase independently funded, was of this has gone well and we are Chaired by Sir David Smith with looking at ways to continue and Vice-Chair Professor Gavin improve this service for the future. McCrone. It resulted in a com- International Activities – in prehensive report which was fulfilling our role as Scotland’s widely welcomed and which National Academy, our pro- received positive media coverage. gramme of International Activities In preparing the report the and links has continued to grow committee visited fishing commu- significantly over the Session, nities throughout Scotland to take thanks both to the enthusiasm of evidence, and listened to those our International Convener, affected by the decline in key fish Professor Rona MacKie, and the stocks. Our thanks to Sir David, helpful partnership we have with Professor McCrone and all of the British Council Scotland through committee for all their hard work the secondment of Michael White. and an excellent report. This Not only has there been a steady continues an annual series of stream of distinguished overseas major Inquiries into controversial visitors, particularly from China topics, where a broadly multi- and Taiwan, Poland, Ireland, disciplinary approach gives new Australia, the EU and the USA, but insights. Inevitably, some will not the Society has also funded 29 be pleased or agree with the international exchange visits by conclusions reached in these Scottish researchers going to the Inquiries, but the feedback we USA, Australia, Armenia, Sweden, have had from those with respon- France and Argentina, as well as sibility for implementing our to China, Poland and Taiwan, recommendations is that they

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where we have bilateral agree- “Scotland’s Role in the Enlarged ments. Europe”. Another important activity is the - EU Framework 6 - a meeting organisation of international hosted with the UK Research events including: Office enabling researchers - Sino-Scottish Science: sharing from Scotland to discuss the ideas - a team of 10 from implications of consent agree- Scotland travelled to Beijing in ments and intellectual property March to take part in a work- rights within consortia involved shop with the Chinese Academy in EU Framework 6 research of Sciences, as well as visits to a projects. number of institutes. An area of growing importance in - Crossroads for Ideas - a UK- the Society’s international pro- wide initiative to welcome the gramme is the promotion of eight new EU member states Scottish research and science from East and central Europe by abroad. The RSE has been bringing together young involved in two new projects: the professionals from the new first was the publication of a member states and young magazine called Science Scotland - professionals from the UK. funded by the Scottish Executive. It features the best of science and - Scotland in the Netherlands technology in Scotland and aims 2004: Brain Science Event - the to raise the profile of Scotland’s RSE was invited to arrange the scientific excellence to an interna- science element of this season tional audience. An Editorial of promotional activities run by Board has been set up, chaired by the Scottish Executive. Professor Professor John Coggins. Richard Morris FRS, FRSE gave a public lecture in Amsterdam in The Society also had a key role in late September and the follow- managing a pilot project called ing day 30 scientists from the “Voyages of Discovery” involving Netherlands and Scotland had a Scottish Development Internation- productive high-level scientific al and Universities Scotland. This meeting. attracted research managers from large multi-national companies to - European Enlargement - During come to Scotland with the aim of a year which saw Enlargement encouraging stronger research of the EU to 25 Member States, links. Two successful tours took representatives of the RSE have place on Energy and Life Sciences. participated in several related events, including hosting a Events – the Society has contin- dinner during the conference, ued to organise a busy varied

11 Review of the Session 2003-2004

programme of events aimed at the ton DC and Dr James Thorpe, general public, young people and Director, Forensic Unit, Strathclyde specialist audiences. These University attracted large, lively audiences The Young People’s Programme often filling the lecture theatre to has continued to grow. Amongst capacity. There were 17 Public its activities were: Lectures, 3 Prize Lectures, 10 Conferences and 3 Discussion The 2003 Christmas Lecture, Black Forums. Topics ranged from Holes and White Rabbits, by Heavy Quark Physics to the Value Professor John Brown, FRSE, of the Performing Arts. Events of Astronomer Royal for Scotland particular interest were: was held at Inverness Royal Academy. The Coming Century: Ten Trends to Back by Frances Cairncross FRSE A Discussion Forum for S5/6 students on how we should tackle Scotland and the Media: A the problem of Scotland’s Future Question of Trust, chaired by Energy supply. James Naughtie. The presence of Alastair Campbell attracted Maths Masterclasses for P6/7 widespread interest. students in Glasgow, Kirkliston and Dundee. The Threat of Terrorism: The Place of Science by Professor Sir Keith Annual Road-show, held on the O’Nions FRS, Director General of Isle of Skye, as part of National Research Councils, Office of Science Week. This included a ‘sell Science and Technology out’ public talk by BBC Meteorol- ogist, Heather Reid. A further Scotland and the Origins of Road-show was held in Arbroath Modern Art by Professor Duncan in October 2004. Macmillan, Curator of Talbot Rice Gallery, The University of Edin- Start-up Science – hands on burgh Saturday morning masterclasses for S1/2 students at universities all Wind Energy - Powering the over Scotland. Most classes were Future by Dr Ian Mays, Managing oversubscribed. Director, Renewable Energy Systems Ltd. Summer School - talks and workshops for S5/6 students, The Reliability of Fingerprint were held in partnership with Identification by Mr Bruce Grant, Heriot-Watt University. Head of Fingerprinting, Scotland Yard; Professor James Starrs, Law Finally, Talk Science lectures – lively and Forensic Sciences, George talks were held at schools all over Washington University, Washing- Scotland, from Wick and Tober- mory to Selkirk

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Each year the Young People’s years, were replaced. The Society is committee presents awards to very grateful to those who have individuals who have made a contributed to the work of the particular contribution to this. In Committee. 2004 awards were presented to: The Committee began its second - Dr Greig Chisholm, Ciba phase under the continued Specialty Chemicals Chairmanship of Professor Wilson - Dr Chris Baddeley, University of Sibbett and with a, largely, new St Andrews membership appointed from August 2004. - Dr Hilary-Kay Young, University of Dundee During the Session the following reports were published and these - Dr Lyndsay Fletcher, University of provide independent advice to the Glasgow Scottish Executive on: - Dr Allan Jamieson, The Forensic - Science Education Matters: Institute Supporting and Improving Publications were issued Science in Scottish Schools throughout the year. In addition - Science Matters: Making the to the scheduled volumes of our Right Connections for Scotland, highly-regarded journals, Transac- tions and Proceedings A, and the - Knowledge Transfer: Science to usual Fellows publications and Scottish Businesses newsletters, we produced reports - Investing in Scientific Talent of RSE events such as the Discus- Conclusion and Thanks sion Forum on Stem Cells held in This is by no means a complete Brussels in October 2003 and the account of all that has been Young People’s Discussion Forum achieved during the Session but it on obesity in June 2003. Continu- will be evident that we have made ing to publish our highly regarded good progress on many different journals and providing useful and fronts. This reflects the enthusias- timely reports of our various tic and dedicated contributions activities, to further disseminate made by many Fellows and the knowledge and understanding, support we have had from the will be a key focus of our activities Society’s staff. In particular, I in the coming year. would like to thank Sir Laurence Scottish Science Advisory Hunter who has been a most able Committee - the SSAC completed Treasurer during a difficult the first phase of its work in April financial quinquenium, when his and most of its members, having clear thinking and cool head has originally been appointed for two served us particularly well as we

13 Review of the Session 2003-2004

have faced and overcome serious Cunningham, the Treasurer-elect, financial challenges without a satisfactory base from which to having to abandon or curtail key begin. activities. Fellows will have the summary I would also like to thank Profes- report provided in the Annual sor Andy Walker for his support as Review, and copies of the full Vice-President during the past report and accounts are available three years. I am delighted he has this evening and on the Society’s agreed to succeed Professor website. I hope that this combi- Robert Donovan as Chair of the nation of summary and full detail Trustees of the RSE Scotland continues to be acceptable. Foundation. I have three tasks this evening: Finally, there are eight other - to provide some detail on the members of Council whose term outcome for 2003-04 of office finishes today and I am most grateful for their support. - to comment on financial reporting arrangements and The President invited comments controls now in place on the General Secretary’s report, before it was warmly approved. - to bring Fellows up to date with developments since the end of The President then invited Sir the last financial year on April. Laurence Hunter to present the following report. Annual Accounts 2003-04 Treasurer’s Report to ASM The headline news is that the Society achieved a surplus of £59k At this time last year I was able to on its operating account during report the first signs of a recovery the year and was able to make a from the difficult years of 2001- significant contribution to 2003, and a prospect of a return rebuilding the General Fund, to a positive outcome in the which stood at £69k. This financial year 2003-04, with a reflected substantial increases in commencement of the process of both income and expenditure, rebuilding our depleted reserves. reflecting the increased level of I am pleased to be able to report activities, and particularly the to you this evening that this has promotion of research through indeed proved to be the outcome, research awards and prizes, which in what has been a year that rose from 55% to 62% of exceeded our expectations. This is expenditure. my last report as Honorary Treasurer and I am delighted to be The increase in income included able to pass on to Edward £125k for international activities

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from the Scottish Executive, the last year is very welcome and Gannochy Trust Innovation reflects both increased funding Award, and increased support for levels and the recovery of the research and enterprise awards. investment portfolio, following its Some offset occurred in the lower realignment last year. level of Appeal funds from The balance sheet shows a Fellows, though this flow still recovery from last year, up nearly continues. Investment income 5%, due largely to the 15% held up well. increase in the investment On the expenditure side, grants portfolio value. Continuing payable increased by 32%, progress has been made in activities expenditure rose by 5%, working to assist the Foundation while the cost of generating funds to recover from its deficit of net decreased by £75k as the first assets, and hopefully that deficit phase of fund-raising came to an will be eliminated in the next year, end. Management and adminis- with the recent waivers of interest tration costs declined by 3%, payments becoming unnecessary. reflecting a lower spend on PR Financial Reporting and Controls and publicity compared with last year. Considerable progress has been made in recent years in upgrading The surplus on the revenue the financial reporting and control account was much better than systems to ensure that Council budget. Variances were due firstly and senior officers are kept aware to Society’s overheads being of financial issues during the significantly below budget, course of the year, with a clear offsetting lower contributions schedule of reporting. This has from some areas in which activity continued during the past year, was reduced, and the waiver of not least with an eye to the interest from the Foundation; probable changes in Charities while the RSE Scotland Founda- legislation in Scotland, which will tion benefited from the waiver on demand more transparency on the interest and some saving on part of Charities and greater overheads. Smaller contributions accountability on the part of came from the Appeal budget and Trustees. The introductory text to other designated funds. the Trustees Report draws atten- The realised surplus for the year tion to the SORP requirement for after including realized gains on statements of policy on Invest- investments rose to £19,000 in ment, Grant-making and Reserves, the General Fund and £94,000 and outlines the current policies overall. This improvement from that we operate. Of particular

15 Review of the Session 2003-2004

importance here is the intention The Future to rebuild the reserves in the Interim results for the current General Fund to a level where it financial year suggest that the could cover 3 to 6 months Society is on course to achieve its expenditure on central costs. It is budget targets of achieving a net encouraging that we have been revenue surplus and building up able to make a good start in this the General Fund reserve - though re-building process this year, and the unevenness of activities and have prospects for continuing the expenditure through the year process next year. always leave some uncertainties. The arrangement with Speirs and The latest report from our invest- Jeffrey & Co to manage our ment managers suggests that investments on a discretionary modest progress is still being basis appears to be working made, and the budgetary controls smoothly and has contributed to in place ensure that expenditures economies relative to the use of are closely monitored. It is an investment management pleasing to note that (as reported company. After a competitive in the Accounts) a new designated tender, the auditors were also fund – the Programmes Fund – changed this year and a number has been established, with some of useful points came to light as a contribution from the Appeal result of a new set of eyes review- receipts, as a funder of last resort ing our accounting procedure – for meetings activities, to under- again, with some economy of write activities that are not expenditure. otherwise fundable but are Internally, the audit process will be viewed as in line with the Society’s passed from the Treasurer’s objectives. Committee (which will disappear) In the longer term, the main task to the new Audit Committee, will be to secure the additional which will be set up under the income that will certainly be new governance arrangements needed if the objectives of the now approved. While there is no revised Corporate Plan to 2007 case for complacency, I believe are to be achieved. That will that the steps taken in recent require a continuation of the years have done much to improve careful management of resources the rigour of the Society’s financial that is now in place, but it will reporting and management also need new sources of income. procedures. The implications of The second phase of fundraising, new Charities legislation will still to be aimed mainly at the corpo- have to be considered carefully as rate sector, was postponed during it emerges. the period of general economic

16 Proceedings of the Annual Statutory Meeting

downturn and uncertainty, but report, which was well received steps are now being taken to without dissent. revive this initiative. This will The President invited Professor involve a clearer statement of Colin Bird to present the follow- what funds need to be raised, ing report. identification of likely new sources of support, and the organizational Fellowship Secretary’s Report arrangements to take this for- to ASM ward. This year Council approved some If I may be allowed, I would like to changes to the structure of the finish on a more personal note. Sector Groups. The reasons The last five years have been behind these changes will be difficult and challenging, not least communicated in detail to Fellows due to the substantial loss of when the list of candidates is income from our former tenants distributed. The selection process in 26 George Street. But they is reviewed every year to ensure it have also been very rewarding, remains an equitable and trans- with the development and parent process. The current implementation of the first changes were implemented by Corporate Plan and the associated Council following an analysis of Business Plan and Fundraising the distribution of candidates Appeal, leading on to the second going forward to Sectional Corporate Plan. Finance has been Committees over the past two central to all these developments, years. in the course of which I have In March this year the Society greatly enjoyed working with my elected 55 Ordinary Fellows, eight fellow-officers and a cross-section Corresponding Fellows and three of the Fellowship more generally. Honorary Fellows. With respect to But above all I am very aware of the age of the Fellowship we have the considerable debt I owe to seen a positive trend towards Kate Ellis and William Duncan, electing younger Fellows for who have provided me with Ordinary Fellowship and this year invaluable support throughout, the average age at election of the and encouragement when things Ordinary Fellows was down to 49 were not proceeding as one (in 2003 it was 53). Nine of the would have wished. I could not Ordinary Fellows this year were have wished for better support female. and my sincere thanks goes to Currently the Fellowship is them both for all their efforts. composed of 68 Honorary The President asked if there were Fellows, 24 Corresponding any queries on the Treasurer’s Fellows and 1267 Ordinary

17 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Fellows. The discipline balance of the large amount of papers that the Ordinary Fellowship remains have to go out to Sectional the same as last year with 38% Committees. The first year of this from the Physical, Engineering process proved successful and will and Informatic Sciences, 34% be built upon in the future. The from the Life Sciences, 19% from President invited comments on the Arts and Humanities and 9% the the report, which was warmly represent Economics, Business approved. and Administration. In the Arts Appointment of Auditor and Humanities and in Business and Industry, this represents an The President confirmed that, increase of around 2% since 1999 subject to negotiations over fees, when the Working party on the Council intended to re-appoint Fellowship reported on the Henderson Loggie as Society balance of the Fellowship. auditors. We have also seen an increase of Following a brief discussion on around 2% since 1999 in the achieving greater involvement of numbers of female Ordinary the Fellowship in RSE activities, Fellows. Currently they make up the President concluded the 6.8% of the Ordinary Fellowship meeting by thanking the Office with the majority representing the Bearers for their comprehensive Life Sciences. reports, and the Fellows for attending. It was generally agreed This year will see the introduction that the new format of the Annual of the first postal ballot to elect Statutory Meeting, which allowed Fellows. The ballot list as ap- greater time for Officers’ reports proved by Council will go out to and the opportunity for Fellows to all Fellows in December and the discuss these, had been successful result will be announced at the and should continue. Ordinary meeting on the first Monday in March. This will make it easier for all Fellows to engage in this process if they so wish. Finally, the Fellowship Office is moving towards a completely electronic method of distributing

18 TRUSTEES’ REPORT TO 31 MARCH 2004 The Council of the Society as - prepare the accounts on a Trustees of the Society present going concern basis their report for the financial year unless it is inappropriate to ended 31 March 2004. assume the Society Statement of Council’s Respon- will continue its activities. sibilities The Council has a responsibility Under the Laws of the Society, the for keeping proper accounting Council has the responsibility to records which disclose with manage all matters concerning reasonable accuracy at any time the affairs of the Society. The the financial position of the Treasurer, a member of the Society and which enable it to Council, has a duty under the comply with the Law Reform Laws of the Society to present to (Miscellaneous Provisions) the Fellows at the Statutory (Scotland) Act 1990 and the Meeting the Accounts for the Charities Accounts (Scotland) preceding financial year to 31 Regulations 1992. It has general March. responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to it Under Charities legislation, the to safeguard the assets of the Council is required to prepare charity and to prevent and detect accounts for each financial year fraud and other irregularities. which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Society Investment Powers and Policy at 31 March and of its financial The Council has power under the activities during the year then Laws to control the investment of ended. the Funds of the Society. In preparing these accounts, the The management of the invest- Council should ments is carried out by Speirs & - select suitable accounting Jeffrey & Co on a discretionary policies and apply them basis. The objectives set by the consistently Council of the RSE are first to stabilise a sufficient level of - make judgements and esti- income to meet the target set mates that are reasonable and annually by Council and thereafter prudent to invest for capital growth - ensure that the recommenda- potential. The Council has tions of the Statement of delegated the detailed monitoring Recommended Practice of performance to the Investment (Accounting by Charities) have Committee, which makes compar- been followed isons against a composite benchmark reflecting the mix of

19 Review of the Session 2003-2004

assets held and the WM Median including the RSE’s restricted index. funds. The basis of eligibility and As a consequence of the restric- selection varies according to the tion being placed on the total detailed scheme regulations, return available from the portfolio which are published on the RSE’s by the high income requirement, Web site (www.royalsoced.org.uk). the Council has agreed in princi- Grants are also made in support ple to realise part of the overall of research activities of Fellows of capital gain to make up a propor- the RSE including support for tion of the targeted “return for travel connected with research or the year” subject to no more than scholarship, small scale specialist 2% of capital value being drawn meetings, to assist research out of capital. This has not yet visitors to Scotland to undertake been drawn down. The income collaborative research work with a targets for the year have been met Fellow, to assist a visiting lecturer and the total return values have to come to Scotland to assist outperformed the average charity research collaboration between index and the UK market. two institutions in Scotland or Representatives of the Investment between universities and industry Committee meet annually with and to assist in the publication of the investment managers to books written by Fellows. These discuss their compliance with the grants are funded by the RSE constraints set by the Committee designated Grants Fund. The and risk environment. In the year Grants Committee is responsible under review no compliance for making awards in accordance issues arose which required to be with the detailed rules set out by reported to the Committee. the Council of the Society for the disbursement of the Grants fund. Operating Policies - Grant Making Details of committee membership are to be found in the Society’s The RSE makes grants to individu- annual directory and on its als in higher education website. institutions in support of research activities in the categories of Reserves Policy and Funds postdoctoral research Fellowships, The Society holds a number of support research Fellowships, post restricted funds resulting from graduate studentships, under- bequests for particular purposes, graduate vacation scholarships details of which are set out in and Enterprise fellowships. Each note 2c) to the financial state- of these categories is specifically ments. The Council has also funded from various sources created designated funds, where

20 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

the Society has set aside sums level of reserves gives adequate from its unrestricted funds, the working capital for core costs that purposes of which are set out in it would be desirable to have a note 2b) to the financial state- General Fund reserve in the range ments. The General Fund of three to six months expenditure represents the balance of unre- on central costs. They have also stricted funds arising from past concluded that the Society should operating results, which are not maintain a Development fund to invested in fixed assets or desig- give flexibility to respond to new nated for a specific purpose. initiatives on a timely basis As a result of a review of the level without the need for specific and purpose of each of the fundraising. Designated funds, the Council has Risk management created a new Designated fund, The Treasurer’s Committee remit the Programme Fund, by transfer includes examining the major risks from the Grants fund and the faced by the Society and formalis- Development Appeal fund. This ing, and extending where Fund, which will also be increased necessary, existing systems by any legacies which are received established to monitor and for general purposes, is intended control these risks to mitigate any to act as a funder of last resort for impact that they may have on the meetings activities and events Society. The Council believes that which could not otherwise be the existing systems and the funded but that would be structure of decision taking and consistent with the Society’s reporting through Business objectives. Committee and Council continues The Council has examined the to provide assurance that risks are requirement for free reserves, and carefully managed. concluded that whilst the present

21 Review of the Session 2003-2004

The Year 1 April 2003 - 31 March 2004

The Society has continued to after some experience had been thrive, thereby serving the inter- built up and this has now been ests of a wider community in successfully completed. In order Scotland, delivering the RSE’s to provide further public benefit Royal Charter for the “advance- consistent with its Royal Charter, ment of learning and useful the Society has set three strategic knowledge” in a twenty first objectives for 2004-2007. These century context. It has maintained are: and developed new strategic - to continue to deliver its partnerships because working existing range of “core” together with key public and activities, thereby maintaining private bodies, it can contribute existing arrangements with more to the social, cultural and funders and partners; economic wellbeing of Scotland and beyond. The year to 31 - to prioritise selected action March 2004 has seen changes: areas and, where necessary, the staff structure has been seek the resources needed for reorganised; a revised Corporate development; and Plan and a related management - to encourage wider Fellowship plan have been developed; and and public participation, and the governance structures and better integration in the management of the Society have delivery of Society programmes. been looked at afresh. It has been These strategic objectives will be an extremely dynamic and produc- achieved through a broad range tive year in which the Society’s of specific activities and pro- resources in time, expertise and grammes, each with defined funding have been carefully targets. The outcomes depend on managed, and put to good effect. on the efforts of the Society staff The Corporate Plan and the Fellowship, all with their In 2001 the Society produced its own expertise and skills. Fellows first Corporate Plan, which set a and staff are pivotal to the delivery wide range of activity and pro- process and achievements against gramme targets through which targets will also be the subject of the Society could make an regular monitoring. All Fellows effective contribution to a Scot- and staff have had the opportuni- land facing the challenges of ty to contribute to the content devolution. It was intended to and presentation of the Corporate review and develop the 2001 Plan Plan. Staff have also participated

22 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

in the setting of the operational Trust Innovation Award of the agenda in the associated Manage- Royal Society of Edinburgh to Dr ment Plan. Barbara Spruce, Department of Research Awards, Excellence Surgery and Molecular Oncology, and Enterprise University of Dundee for her innovative technology for the The Society continues to recog- treatment of cancer. This award nise, celebrate and promote was presented by Sir James Black excellence. The invaluable OM, FRS, Hon FRSE, at a ceremony relationships with key funding held in Scone Palace on 21 June partners, which enable us to 2003. award over £1.5 million annually, continued to grow due to the Individuals who have made outstanding calibre of awardees outstanding achievements in their and prize winners. In the period field which have been of benefit 2003-2004 the Society awarded to people in Scotland and abroad fifteen Enterprise Fellowships, continued to set the standard for funded by Scottish Enterprise and the prizes awarded by the Society. one PPARC Enterprise Fellowship, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh one BP Fellowship, one Lloyds TSB honoured the Society greatly by Foundation for Scotland Personal presenting the Royal Medals at a Fellowship and two Lloyds TSB ceremony held in the Society’s Foundation for Scotland PhD rooms on 27 October 2003, to Studentships. With additional Professor Sir Paul Nurse FRS funding from the Scottish Execu- HonFRSE, for his outstanding tive now in place, the Society was contribution to genetics research, able to award a larger number of to Sir Michael Atiyah OM, FRS, Personal and Support Fellowships HonFRSE, for his profound and this year, awarding five Personal beneficial effect on the develop- Fellowships and three Support ment of mathematics and science Fellowships. Six Cormack Vacation in the UK and Europe, and to Lord Scholarships, seven Lessells Travel MacKay of Clashfern PC, KT, QC, Scholarships, six CRF European FRSE, for his outstanding contri- Visiting Research Fellowships (four butions to Scots Law and his from Scotland to Europe and two international reputation both in from Europe to Scotland) and law and public service. three Wellcome Trust Research The CRF Prize Lectureship in Workshops were also awarded. Biological Sciences was awarded As the result of an important new to Professor Joan Steitz of Yale partnership with the Gannochy University, USA. The Bruce Preller Trust, the Society was delighted to Prize Lectureship was awarded to present the inaugural Gannochy Sir Keith O’Nions FRS, Professor of

23 Review of the Session 2003-2004

the physics and chemistry of Freeman, Consultant Psychiatrist, minerals, Department of Earth Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Dr Sciences, University of Oxford and Harry R. Millar, Consultant the new Director General of the Psychiatrist, Eating Disorder Research Councils. The Henry Service, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Duncan Prize Lectureship was and Electricity Supply in the New awarded to Professor Duncan Century, Dr Malcolm Kennedy, Macmillan, Professor of the CBE, FRSE, Former Chairman, PB History of Scottish Art, University Power and of The Institution of of Edinburgh. Electrical Engineers. Events Other notable events included: A The Society organised a wide joint two-part conference with the range of public events, involving a British Academy: England and spectrum of speakers, of interest Scotland in Union from 1603 - both to the specialist and the Anglo-Scottish Relations - Past, general public, offering a neutral Present and Future (one held in platform for debate on matters of London at the British Academy, national and international one in Edinburgh); The Value of importance. Attendance has the Performing Arts - An illustrat- continued to rise with full houses ed Lecture, Professor John a regular occurrence. Feedback Wallace, OBE, FRSE, Principal, The has on the whole been positive Royal Scottish Academy of Music from audiences consisting of & Drama; Scotland and the Media Fellows and non-Fellows including - A Question of Trust a spirited members of the public across the conference which brought media age range, individuals from managers, journalists, politicians, business, academia, politics, the and other key stakeholders media, private and public bodies together; and Scotland’s Drug Problem, a highly regarded Examples of successful events held conference in which a national during the year include: Do we and international perspective was approve of a Jury System for applied to policies including Complicated Trials? - a debate- “legalisation”. style event between The Rt Hon Lord Penrose, Senator of the Links with Young People College of Justice in Scotland and It has again been a busy year Professor Gerry Maher, Commis- which has seen expansion for the sioner of the Scottish Law ever-popular programme of Commission; The Cause of Eating activities for young people held Disorders: the Individual, the throughout Scotland: Culture, or Both? by Dr Chris P.

24 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

A Discussion Forum (Supported by series) and Satrosphere/University the Darwin Trust of Edinburgh of Aberdeen have continued to be and the Rowett Research Institute) very popular and often over- on Scotland’s Obesity Epidemic subscribed. The long-running took place at the Rowett Research primary Maths Masterclasses were Institute, Aberdeen in June 2003. held; at Kirkliston Primary School, Senior school students heard the Glasgow High School and the facts from the experts and held University of Dundee. The Physics group discussions as to how Masterclasses, run in conjunction society should proceed. A week- with the University of Glasgow, long, non residential Summer were held successfully in August/ Camp based at and in conjunction September 2003. with the University of Edinburgh The 2003 Christmas Lecture, Black on the theme of Science in Our Holes and White Rabbits was World was held in July 2003. It given by Professor John Brown, included talks, workshops and FRSE, Astronomer Royal for educational trips. Scotland at Inverness Royal Talk Science lectures (previously Academy on 8 December 2003. known as Schools’ Lectures), Professor Brown’s accompanying which aim to enthuse secondary public lecture in Inverness also school pupils about science, received a warm reception from a engineering and technology, were sizeable audience. held at Culloden Academy, Young People’s awards were Brechin High School, Grange- presented for the first time to mouth High School, Inverurie those who have made an extraor- Academy, James-Watt College dinary voluntary contribution to (Greenock and Kilwinning the Young People’s Events. In Campuses), Preston Lodge High August 2003 these were present- School, Torrie Academy, Spring- ed to: Dr Lesley Glasser MBE FRSE, burn Academy, Stranraer Academy, Satrosphere; Dr Martin Hendry, Thurso High School, Tobermory University of Glasgow; Ms Heather High School and Wick High Reid, BBC Scotland; Mrs Monica School. Lacey, University of Dundee and Dr The RSE Roadshow was held on Bruce Sinclair, University of St the Isle of Skye, as part of National Andrews. Science Week in March 2004. Policy, Evidence, Advice & Startup Science Masterclasses at Comment the University of St Andrews (2 The expertise of the RSE’s multi- series), University of Dundee (2 disciplinary Fellowship was series), University of Glasgow (2 harnessed to provide authoritative series), Heriot Watt University (2

25 Review of the Session 2003-2004

advice in response to 24 public both to policy and management. consultations including: The report made 35 key recom- - CAP Reform: Opportunities for mendations covering the Scotland. Scottish Executive operation of the Common Environment and Rural Affairs Fisheries Policy, the science of fish Department stock assessment and the man- agement of fisheries policy. It also - Inquiry into Renewable Energy outlined measures to help the in Scotland. Scottish Parliament industry and the fishery depend- Enterprise and Culture Com- ent communities. It was widely mittee welcomed. - The Future of Higher Educa- The Scottish Parliament Science tion. Department for Education Information Scheme was set up and Skills. collaboratively by the RSE, The - The Scottish Human Rights Scottish Parliament, The Royal Commission. The Scottish Society of Chemistry, in associa- Executive Justice Department. tion with The Institute of Physics and The University of Edinburgh. In response to concerns expressed This innovative scheme, which was within and outwith the Fellowship created to help Members of the about the plight of the Scottish Scottish Parliament to have access Fishing Industry, the Council to reliable, rapid and impartial instigated an independent inquiry information on science, engineer- into how a sustainable future ing and technology-related issues could be achieved for this impor- in order to support parliamentary tant national industry. work, has dealt with a number of Independently funded and queries from MSPs including: chaired by the distinguished alternatives to fishmeal for biologist, Professor Sir David feeding farmed salmon; wind Smith, FRS, FRSE with Vice Chair- farms; effectiveness of ventilation man, Professor Gavin McCrone, to extract toxins in tobacco smoke CB, FRSE, this major report was and Broadband coverage in launched in March 2004, after Scotland. almost a full year spent consider- ing the many issues involved. The Society also participated in the following Foresight/Commer- The expert inquiry concluded that cialisation forums: a secure and sustainable future for the Scottish Fishing Industry is - Scottish Executive Foresight achievable, but not without a Forum, developing a mecha- long-term view being taken and nism for examining future important changes being made

26 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

thinking between the ITIs, and international collaboration, is SSAC and DTI. available from the International - Scottish Executive National Office, and from the RSE website. Innovation Systems working A Voyages of Discovery pro- group undertaking a case study gramme was developed with examination of innovation in Universities Scotland and Scottish Scotland, from the perspectives Development International. This of different sizes and back- showcased Scotland’s research grounds of organisation. excellence and capabilities in a range of disciplines to senior International Activities business executives, with the aim The Society’s growing programme of creating stronger research links, of international activities has and has completed its pilot stage. attracted much positive attention Two successful tours were run in during the year, with the result November 2003 and January that the Society is increasingly 2004 on the respective themes of being approached to participate Energy and Life Sciences. in major projects, both within the The Society hosted an EU Frame- UK and overseas. work 6 meeting with the UK After a slow start, mainly due to Research Office to discuss the travel restrictions to Asia, applica- implications of consent agree- tions to the International ments and intellectual property Exchange Programme, launched in rights within consortia involved in early 2003, are steadily increasing. EU Framework 6 research projects. Funding for the following visits The RSE and the Chinese Academy has been granted: four weeks to/ of Science, with which there is a from China under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding, agreement with the Chinese organised a two-day seminar in Academy of Sciences; nine weeks Beijing in March 2004, entitled: to/from Poland under the bilateral Sino-Scottish Science: Sharing agreement with the Polish Ideas. It was followed by visits to Academy of Sciences; five weeks key institutes to identify areas to/from Taiwan under the bilateral where there was potential mutual agreement with the National benefit in developing bilateral Science Council; and 19 weeks collaboration. under the Open Programme. The Chinese Academy of Sciences A Stem Cell Discussion Forum was were among the Society’s distin- held on 15 October 2003 in guished overseas guests, when a Brussels. A full report of this delegation led by its Vice-Presi- successful event, which has dent visited in August 2003. stimulated new ongoing national

27 Review of the Session 2003-2004

The President of the French Publications Academy of Sciences delivered a The Society published the follow- lecture entitled European Science ing titles during the year. in Difficulty at the Annual Statuto- ry Meeting - October 2003. Other ReSourcE (formerly called RSE international visitors included: The News) - issues were published in Chinese Academy of Forestry - April 2003, October 2003 and November 2003; The President of January 2004. (ISSN 1473-7841); the Royal Irish Academy - Decem- The Fellows’ Directory 2004, ber 2003; Senior Management December 2003 (ISSN 1476- from the Technical University of 4334); Review 2003 (review of Lodz, - January 2004; the Polish Session 2001-2002), Spring 2003 Minister for Europe (and subse- (ISSN 1476-4342); Annual Review quently nominated European 2003, September 2003 (ISSN Commissioner), Professor Danuta 1742-1810); and the Trustees Hübner - to deliver a lecture Report 2003, September 2003. entitled New Europe: World Views Transactions - volumes 93.3, 93.4 - January 2004; and the Royal and 94.1 and Proceedings A - Swedish Academy of Sciences - volumes 133.2 to 133.6 and March 2004. volume 134.1 were also pub- lished. The National Science Council of Taiwan (Taipei Representative The following publications Office in the UK) met RSE dele- reporting RSE events were gates in Edinburgh in September produced and are available from 2003 and March 2004. the Society: Science Scotland is an electronic Diet and Obesity: Report of and print publication created by Young People’s Discussion Forum the Society, in partnership with (ISBN 0 902 198 83 1) the Scottish Executive, British I, Cyborg: the 2003 RSE/Royal Council Scotland and Scottish Academy of Engineering Joint Development International, which Lecture (ISBN 0 902 198 68 8) features the best of science and Scotland’s Drug Problem: Report technology in Scotland, with the of an RSE Conference (ISBN 0 902 objective of raising awareness in 198 73 4)) an international audience. The first issue of Science Scotland was Stem Cell Research Opportunities launched at the annual meeting and Challenges: Report of of the American Association for Discussion Forum (ISBN 0 902 198 the Advancement of Science, held 88 2) in Seattle in February 2004.

28 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

The A-Z of Oral Cancer: An Holistic Staffing Matters Route: Report of Oral Health We were pleased to welcome the Workshop (ISBN 0 902 198 63 7) following to the staff team: The Future of the Scottish Fishing - Ms Christel Baudere, Personnel Industry: Inquiry Report (ISBN 0 Assistant 902 198 09 2) - Ms Emma Faragher, Education Value of the Post-Mortem Exami- Assistant nation: Report of an RSE Conference (ISBN 0 902 198 78 5) - Ms Jean Finlayson, Internation- al Assistant Fellowship - Mrs Rebecca Gibson, Recep- In March 2004 the Society elected tionist/Telephonist 55 Ordinary Fellows, eight Corresponding Fellows and three - Mr Gary Johnstone, Accounts Honorary Fellows. The average age Assistant at election of the Ordinary Fellows - Mrs Sheila Stuart, Administra- was 49 (last year it was 53). Nine tion Assistant of the Ordinary Fellows were The following members of staff female. At September 2004 the left during the year. Fellowship comprises 71 Honorary Fellows, 24 Corresponding - Miss Cathy Crawford, Recep- Fellows and 1278 Ordinary tionist/Telephonist, Fellows. The discipline balance of - Mrs Elizabeth Bigelow, Recep- the Fellowship remains the same tionist/Telephonist as last year - 34% of the Ordinary Fellowship represent disciplines in - Mrs Sharon Jesson, PA to the Life Sciences, 38% in Physical, President and General Secretary Engineering and Informatic - Mr Colin Nelson, Facilities Sciences, 19% in Arts and Assistant Humanities and 9% in Economics, Sandra McDougall, latterly Special Business and Administration. The Projects Manager and formerly majority (77.6%) of Ordinary Programme Manager, retired after Fellows are resident in Scotland, 29 years service, in June 2003. A 17.4% in England, 4.8% overseas well-attended reception was held and 0.2% either in Wales or to mark her service to the Society. Ireland.

29 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Financial review 1 April 2003 - 31 March 2004

After the difficult financial Scottish Executive and a donation circumstances of the last two or from the Gannochy Trust for the three years, it is pleasing to be prestige Gannochy Trust Innova- able to report a successful tion Award. These new sources outcome in my last year as are offset by the expected lower Treasurer. level of Appeal receipts from Result for the Year Fellows, although a pleasing stream of annual donations is The overall result at the net continuing. incoming resources, or revenue, level was a surplus of £59,000, The support of charitable activities with the General Fund result has increased by 19% or £0.27m. contributing £18,000 of this sum. The majority of the increase comes The realised surplus for the year from increased support for after including realised gains on research and enterprise awards. investments rose to £19,000 in Income for the latter has almost the General Fund and £94,000 doubled as the appointment of a overall. This improvement from further fifteen Scottish Enterprise last year is significant and reflects Fellows during the year flowed both increased funding levels and through to income and expendi- the recovery of the investment ture. Close to half the total portfolio, following its realign- expected numbers of appoint- ment last year. ments have now been made in this very successful scheme, which The result is in line with the commenced in 2002 and is expectation set out last year, scheduled to run until 2007-08. which was for a balanced budget In addition there continues to be and a contribution to the rebuild- a steady flow of PPARC Enterprise ing of the General Fund. Fellows. Income and Expenditure The income from Scottish Execu- Total incoming resources of tive for post doctoral Research £2.9m have increased by 19% or Fellowships has also risen in line £0.46m over last year. The with a rise in the number of increase has come from both postholders to be funded. donations and grants and support Income for other activities has for our charitable activities. The shown some decreases, not due increase in ‘Donations and grants’ to a fall in general activity levels of 15% or £0.15m includes but due to the impact of some £125,000 of new money for one off projects in 2002-03. international activities from the

30 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

Investment income has held up as well as the disbursement of the well at £92,000, despite the final increased funding for research removal of the transitional tax and enterprise awards. relief on dividends. The total of Expenditure on Activities has this category is boosted by increased by 5%, mainly in the interest received on cash, which is area of international activities mainly held in the designated where, with funding from Scottish funds, and interest of £30,000 Executive and in partnership with received on the loan to the RSE the British Council, the Society has Scotland Foundation. established a substantial pro- Resources expended gramme of activity. This is As would be expected from the co-ordinated by Michael White, increase in income, the total who has been seconded on a resources expended have in- part-time basis from the British creased by 17% or £0.41m from Council. last year. This mainly reflects the Management and Administration increase in support for research costs have decreased by about and Enterprise awards discussed £6,000 or 3% overall, but this is above. mainly due to a lower spend on Expenditure categorised as Cost PR & publicity, as compared to the of Generating funds has de- previous year. The management creased this year by £75,000, as component of this category has the formal and very successful first increased by £5,000 or 6%, in line phase of fundraising came to a with the overall increase in central close. In the present economic costs of 5.8%. It is pleasing to climate there has been little note that some elements of activity in the second phase, central costs have decreased as a corporate fundraising, and this is result of careful management, shown by the decline in expendi- offsetting the rise in salary cost as ture. This heading does not a result of increased staffing. include the costs of ongoing Worth noting are the £10,000 negotiation with, claims from and reduction in professional fees as a reconciliations for funders of result of the transfer of the continuing activities. These costs investment management to Speirs are regarded as support costs for & Jeffrey and a 20% reduction in the activities concerned. audit fees obtained by the change in auditors from KPMG to Hender- Grants payable of £1.76m have son Loggie. increased by 34% or £0.45m. This includes the costs of the first As is explained in the policy on Gannochy Trust Innovation Award reserves on page 3, the Council

31 Review of the Session 2003-2004

undertook a review of the level bly affected where restricted and purpose of all the Designated income is received in advance of Funds. The transfers shown in the the committed expenditure. In this Statement of Financial Activities case a deferred income balance is represent the release from the held in creditors - this has in- Capital Asset Reserve of a total of creased by £81,000 this year. £101,000 to match the write The net assets are allocated to the down of buildings and the capital funds they support as set out in repayment of the loan to the note 20. As the General Fund Foundation, of which £47,000 is balance is much improved, it now passed to General Fund, net of a has a proportionate share of the transfer of £8,000 to the Staff investment portfolio as well as the Development Fund. share of the current assets and Balance Sheet liabilities. In addition the extent to Net assets have recovered some- which the General Fund is funded what from the decline last year, by cash balances held in the being up 4.7% overall to a total Designated Funds is much of £7.0m; the major reason being reduced. the 15% increase from £1.73m to Fundraising £1.98m in the investment portfo- As mentioned above, the second lio. phase of fundraising, aimed The loan to the RSE Scotland largely at the corporate sector, has Foundation continues to decrease not yet got properly under way, annually by £47,000, the amount due to the continuing uncertain- of the capital repayment, despite ties in the industrial and the partial waiver of interest commercial worlds. It is hoped payments, required to assist the that in the coming year a positive Foundation to recover from its start will be made in identifying deficit of net assets. As can be possible sources of support and seen from note 23, continuing additional finance for new progress is being made in this development. In the longer term, direction. success in fundraising will be Net current assets have increased essential to enabling the Society by 41% to £551,000. Of the total to achieve its strategic intentions cash balance, £591,000 is in the new Corporate Plan. allocated to Designated funds, the Conclusion and Future Prospects major part of which is the cumula- After two or three years of real tive receipts from the Appeal; a difficulty, my hope that we would further £209,000 relates to ‘turn the corner’ in 2003-2004 restricted income; cash is favoura- has been fulfilled. While still

32 Trustees’ Report to 31 March 2004

maintaining an expanded pro- The next phase of the Society’s gramme of activities, the Society Corporate Plan has now been has achieved a modest surplus, prepared and in the current year is the investment portfolio has being implemented successfully. continued its recovery, the re- To a large extent, the intention is building of the General Fund has to consolidate the growth in begun, and initial provision has activity over the last five years, been made to establish a new which is consistent with the (designated) Programme Fund to present financial situation. But support some events and meet- there are some new aims also, and ings activities that are desirable if these are to be delivered in full, but require internal financial additional funding will be support to make them happen. required. It is necessary to These are very welcome develop- underline the fact that without ments, which are due in part to supplementary funding support, additional funding from a variety progress towards these new of sources, including the first targets may be very limited. phase of the Appeal, but also to This is my final Report as Treasur- improved housekeeping in the er. Looking back over the last five form of tight financial manage- years, I am delighted at the ment, budgeting and planning. progress that has been made by Hopefully, the procedures now in the Society in achieving a more place will continue to deliver active - and indeed proactive - benefits, though there is a role, both in Scotland and further continuing need for prudence in afield, particularly in international expenditure plans and for a relationships. Finance has been a watchful eye on staffing and key factor in enabling these administrative costs. developments, and I am very Experience suggests that the conscious of, and grateful for, the unexpected will surely happen at contributions of Fellows in the some point, and it is for this Appeal; not only for the intrinsic reason that the General Fund benefits these bring, but also as needs to be re-built towards the they have encouraged greater target level of 3-6 months support from the Scottish Execu- expenditure on central costs. This tive and other donors and has to be seen as a medium term supporters of mutually beneficial objective but it is important that activities. But my biggest debt is we continue to make progress to Kate Ellis and William Duncan towards it, as a key feature of our for their unfailing support and risk-management policy. excellent advice on the financial and administrative management

33

AUDITORS’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS We have audited the financial the United Kingdom by statute, statements on pages 37-54. the Auditing Practices Board and These accounts have been by our profession’s ethical prepared under the historical cost guidance. convention as modified to include We report to you our opinion as the revaluation of investments to whether the financial state- and in accordance with the ments give a true and fair view Statement of Recommended and are properly prepared in Practice: Accounting by Charities accordance with the Laws of the and applicable accounting Society, the Law Reform (Miscella- standards. neous Provisions)(Scotland) Act This report is made solely to the 1990 and the Charities Accounts Society’s Trustees, as a body, in (Scotland) Regulations 1992. We accordance with regulation 7 of also report to you if, in our The Charities Accounts (Scotland) opinion, the Trustees’ Report is Regulations 1992. Our audit not consistent with the financial work has been undertaken so that statements, if the Society has not we might state to the Society’s kept proper accounting records, if Trustees those matters we are we have not received all the required to state to them in an information and explanations we auditor’s report and for no other require for our audit, or if infor- purpose. To the fullest extent mation specified by The Law permitted by law, we do not Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) accept or assume responsibility to (Scotland) Act 1990 and The anyone other than the Society and Charities Accounts (Scotland) the Society’s Trustees as a body, Regulations 1992 is not disclosed. for our audit work, for this report, We are not required to consider or for the opinions we have whether any statement in the formed. Trustees’ Annual Report concern- Respective responsibilities of ing the major risks to which the Council and Auditors charity is exposed covers all existing risks and controls, or to The Council is responsible for form an opinion on the effective- preparing the Trustees’ Report ness of the charity’s risk and, as described above, the management and control proce- financial statements in accordance dures. with the Laws of the Society, relevant United Kingdom legisla- We read other information tion and accounting standards. contained in the Trustees’ Annual Our responsibilities, as independ- Report and consider whether it is ent auditors, are established in consistent with the audited

35 Review of the Session 2003-2004

financial statements. We consider assurance that the financial the implications for our report if statements are free from material we become aware of any apparent mis-statement, whether caused by misstatements or material incon- fraud or other irregularity or error. sistencies with the financial In forming our opinion we also statements. Our responsibilities evaluated the overall adequacy of do not extend to any other the presentation of information in information. the financial statements. Basis of audit opinion Opinion We conducted our audit in In our opinion the financial accordance with Auditing Stand- statements give a true and fair ards issued by the Auditing view of the state of the Society’s Practices Board. An audit includes affairs as at 31 March 2004 and examination, on a test basis, of of its incoming resources and evidence relevant to the amounts application of resources including and disclosures in the financial its income and expenditure for the statements. It also includes an year then ended and have been assessment of the significant properly prepared in accordance estimates and judgments made by with the Laws of the Society, The the Trustees in the preparation of Law Reform (Miscellaneous the financial statements, and of Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 whether the accounting policies and the Charities Accounts are appropriate to the Society’s (Scotland) Regulations 1992. circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the Henderson Loggie information and explanations Chartered Accountants which we considered necessary in Registered Auditor order to provide us with sufficient Edinburgh evidence to give reasonable September 2004

36 ACCOUNTS

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2004

Note No. 2004 2003

££ ££ Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets 13 2,475,829 2,531,269 Fixed Asset Investment Investments at market value 14a 1,989,023 1,732,239 Historical Cost :£1,862,114. (2003-£1,816,974)) Loan to RSE Scotland Foundation 14b 2,031,560 2,078,368 6,496,412 6,341,876 Current Assets RSE Scotland Foundation current account -) 63,125q Debtors 15 86,588) 73,000q Cash at bank and in hand 74,259) 118,326q Money Market and other term deposits - designated funds 591,045q 464,945q - General fund 208,955q 36,185

960,847q 755,581q

Current Liabilities Creditors : Amounts falling due within one year 16 (409,611) (365,681)q

Net Current Assets 551,236 389,900 Net Assets 7,047,648 6,731,776 Funds General Fund 17 69,103 1,142 Designated Funds 18 5,764,491 5,677,421 Restricted Funds 19 1,214,054 1,053,213 20 7,047,648 6,731,776

Approved by the Council on 20 September 2004

Laurence C Hunter Sir Laurence Hunter, CBE Treasurer

37 Review of the Session 2003-2004

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

Note No. General Designated Restricted 2004 2003 Fund Funds Funds Total Total ££ £ £ £

Incoming resources Donations , grants and similar incoming resourcess 4 706,333 56,558 315,604 1,078,495 933,881 Activities in furtherance of the Society’s objectives 5 73,437 - 1,590,238 1,663,675 1,394,109 Investment income 6 46,264 49,716 58,552 154,532 112,558

Total incoming resources 826,034 106,274 1,964,394 2,896,702 2,440,548

Resources Expended Cost of generating funds 7 9,119 - - 9,119 84,257 Charitable expenditure: Grants payable 8 13,872 22,117 1,726,785 1,762,774 1,310,936 Activities in furtherance of the Society’s objectives 9 571,467 38,138 232,894 842,499 801,603 Buildings, management and administration 10 213,502 9,719 - 223,221 229,404

Total resources expended 807,960 69,974 1,959,679 2,837,613 2,426,200 Net incoming resources before Transfers 18,074x 36,300 4,715v 59,089 14,348d

Gains/(losses) on investment assets Realised gains 1,649 13,206 23,040 37,895 29,308 Realised losses (118) (942) (1,642) (2,702) (380,496)

1,531 12,264d 21,398 35,193 (351,188)

Realised Surplus/(deficit) for the year 19,605. 48,564d 26,113 94,282 (336,840) Transfers between funds 18 38,713 (38,713) - - -

Unrealised gains /(losses) 9,643. 77,219 134,728 221,590 (163,988) Net Movement in Funds 67,961. 87,070 160,841 315,872 (500,828) Balance brought forward at 1 April 2003 1,142 5,677,421 1,053,213 6,731,776 7,232,604 Balance carried forward at 31 March 2004 69,103 5,764,491 1,214,054 7,047,648 6,731,776

38 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

CASH FLOW STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

2004 2003 £ £ £ Cash flow statement Net cash outflow from operating activities (2,730) (23,835)

Returns on investments and servicing of finance: Interest received 58,230 13,794 Dividends received 96,388 91,123 154,618 104,917 Capital expenditure and financial investment: Purchase of tangible fixed assets: (451) (421) Proceeds from sale of investments 262,552 1,101,180i Purchases of investments (262,552) (1,087,384) Loan to RSE Scotland Foundation 46,808 46,808i 46,357 60,183i

Net cash flow before financing 198,245 141,265 Financing Appeal receipts 56,558 182,877 Increase in cash in the year 254,803 324,142

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds (note 25) Increase in cash in the year 254,803 324,142 Net funds at beginning of year 619,456 295,314 Net funds at end of year 874,259 619,456

Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash outflow from operating activities Net incoming resources before Transfers 59,089 14,348) Appeal receipts (56,558) (182,877) Dividends receivable (92,636) (94,783) Interest receivable (58,230) (13,455) Depreciation 55,890 56,529) (Increase)/Decrease in debtors (17,340) 9,184) (Increase)/ decrease in RSE Scotland Foundation current account 78,455 (7,062) Increase in creditors 28,598 194,281) Net cash outflow from operating activities (2,730) (23,835)

39 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

1 Accounting basis The accounts have been drawn up to comply with the provisions of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990, the Charity Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1992 and follow the recommendations of the revised Statement of Recommended Practice for charities (SORP) approved by the Accounting Standards Board in October 2000 and applicable accounting standards. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost accounting rules as modified to include the revaluation of investments. The accounts comprise three primary financial statements: the Statement of Financial Activities, which incorporates the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the Cash Flow Statement. 2 Funds The Society’s funds are classified in accordance with the definitions in the SORP into Restricted funds, where there are restrictions placed by a donor as to the use of income or capital, Designated funds, where the Council of the Society has set aside sums from its unrestricted funds for a particular purpose, and the General (unrestricted) Fund. The classifications made are as follows: a) General Fund – a discretionary Fund available to Council to meet the ordinary activities of the Society. b) Designated Funds Staff restructuring fund – In July 2000 Council resolved to create a Staff restructuring fund, to be used at its discretion to provide flexibility in staffing arrangements and in developing future operations. Development Appeal Fund – an appeal to provide development finance to implement the Society’s Corporate plan Capital Asset Reserve Fund – representing the book cost of the rooms at 22-24 George Street, and 26 George Street and an allocation in respect of funding of the refurbishment of 26 George Street. Building Maintenance Fund – a reserve to support the future maintenance of the fabric of the Rooms. Dr James Heggie Fund – income from this fund supports the Society’s activities with young people. Grants Fund – a fund created by contributions and legacies from Fellows and used to provide grants to support research activities of Fellows. Programme Fund – a fund created in 2004 by transfer from the Development Appeal fund and surplus funds in the Grants fund to act as a source of funding for meetings activities. C H Kemball Fund – income from this fund is used to provide hospitality for distinguished visitors from other learned societies and academies. c) Restricted Funds Robert Cormack Bequest – to promote astronomical knowledge and research in Scotland Lessells Trust – to fund scholarships abroad for engineers Auber Bequest – to fund research in Scotland and England by naturalised British Citizens over 60 years of age Prizes Fund – to fund various prizes Dryerre Fund – to fund postgraduate research in medical or veterinary physiology Piazzi Smyth Legacy Fund – to fund high altitude astronomical research CASS Fund – to fund academic/industrial liaison Retailing Seminar Fund – to fund a programme of seminars on retailing 3 Accounting Policies Incoming resources a) Donations grants and similar incoming resources Subscriptions are accounted for on the basis of the subscription year to October 2004 and include income tax recoverable on subscriptions paid under Gift Aid. Revenue grants are credited to income in the period in which the Society becomes entitled to the resources. Donations of a recurring nature from other charitable foundations and one-off gifts and legacies included in other income are taken to revenue in the period to which they relate. b) Incoming resources for charitable activities Incoming resources for activities are accounted for on an accruals basis. Publication income receivable in foreign currencies is converted into sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the date of receipt. c) Investment income Interest and dividends are accounted for gross in the year in which they are receivable, tax deducted being recovered or recoverable from the Inland Revenue. Resources expended d) Expenditure and support costs All resources expended are included on an accruals basis and where directly attributable allocated to the relevant functional category. Central costs, which include support costs, are allocated to categories of resource expended in proportion to staff salaries e) Tangible Fixed Assets, Depreciation and repairs The Society’s principal assets are its buildings in George Street, Edinburgh, which are stated at historical cost. Under FRS 15 the Society depreciates the buildings assuming a 50 year life. It is the policy of the Council to maintain the buildings to a high standard and a provision is made for upkeep of the buildings through a designation from General Fund. Any permanent diminutions in value are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities. Costs of repairs and maintenance are charged against revenue. Minor equipment is written off to Income & Expenditure Account in the year of purchase. Computer and audio-visual equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over four years. f) Investments Investments are stated at their market value at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses on disposal and revaluation of investments are charged or credited in the Statement of Financial Activities and allocated to funds in accordance with their proportionate share of the investment portfolio. g) Pensions The Society participates in defined benefit pension schemes which are externally funded. The cost of providing pensions is allocated over employees’ working lives with the Society and the Foundation and is included in staff costs.

40 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

Note No. 2004 2003 £ £ 4a Donations, grants and similar incoming resources Fellows’ subscriptions 4b 145,741 133,422 Scottish Executive Grant - international activities 125,000 14,467 Scottish Executive Grant other activities 369,087 328,000 Scottish Executive Grant re Scottish Science Advisory Committee 24a 156,224 150,000 Gannochy Trust 104,111 - Other grants and donations 4c 58,774 75,240 Gifts in kind - (value of secondment of staff) 63,000 49,875 Appeal receipts 56,558 182,877 1,078,495 933,881

4b Subscriptions Contributions from Fellows Admission Fees 13,340 13,200 Annual Subscriptions 114,638 103,158 Income tax recoverable under gift aid 17,763 17,064 145,741 133,422

4c Other grants and donations Fleck additional receipt 1,722 3,207 Lessells Trust additional receipt 9,948 12,291 Legacy - 13,563 Donations for Foot & Mouth Disease Inquiry - 44,155 Donations for Fishing Disease Inquiry 45,321 - Sales of ties (net) 585 285 Sales of sundry publications 183 584 Other income 1,015 1,155 58,774 75,240 In addition to the donations set out above the Society receives donations made specifically in support of meetings which are included in meetings income (see note 24c) 5a Activities in furtherance of charitable objects – incoming resources 2004 2003 £ £ Promotion of research 5b 1,560,490 1,202,183 Meetings 84,884 133,230 Educational activities 6,268 41,700 Academic / Industry links 3,000 - International activities 9,033 16,996 1,663,675 1,394,109

5b Promotion of research – receipts Scottish Executive grant Research fellowships 538,690 476,086 Teaching fellowships 25,124 24,059 British Petroleum Research Fellowships Trust 143,909 148,497 Caledonian Research Foundation 30,979 27,863 Scottish Enterprise 591,216 312,830 PPARC Enterprise Fellowships 28,332 25,840 Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland 202,240 187,008 1,560,490 1,202,183

41 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 Note No. 2004 2003 £ £ 6 Investment income Dividends (Net) 92,636 94,783 Income tax recoverable on dividend income 3,666 4,319 Interest arising on deposits (Gross) 27,905 13,456 Interest receivable from RSE Scotland Foundation (note 23) 30,325 - 154,532 112,558

7 Cost of generating funds Fundraising costs 2,174 51,078 Proportion of central costs (note 11) 6,945 33,179 9,119 84,257

8a Grants payable Promotion of Research 8b 1,625,549 1,273,657 Prizes and Grants 137,225 37,279 1,762,774 1,310,936

8b Promotion of Research Direct Costs : Restricted Funds SEELLD Research Fellowships - Support 99,698 77,629 SEELLD Research Fellowships - Personal 377,203 344,920 SEELLD Teaching Fellowships 19,145 18,144 496,046 440,693 BP Research Fellowships 133,039 137,172 CRF European Fellowships 27,632 22,297 Enterprise Fellowships (Scottish Enterprise) 510,445 285,059 Enterprise Fellowships (PPARC) 23,291 20,090 Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland Fellowships 181,615 170,733 Robert Cormack Bequest 3,957 6,804 John Moyes Lessells Scholarship 22,810 32,249 Auber Bequest Awards 4,000 - Henry Dryerre Scholarship 11,040 3,100 1,413,605 1,118,197 Direct costs : Designated Funds D S McLagan Travel Grant 900 1,517 1,414,505 1,119,714 Direct costs : General Funds Library 363 454 1,414,868 1,120,168 Proportion of central costs (note 11) 210,681 153,489 1,625,549 1,273,657

9a Charitable activities Publications 9b 20,583 22,152 Meetings 240,470 282,243 Educational activities 64,988 78,815 Academic / Industry links 9,754 9,796 Fellowships Office 48,908 45,386 International activities 186,304 119,103 Evidence Advice and Comment 115,268 94,108 Scottish Science Advisory Committee 156,224 150,000 842,499 801,603

42 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 2004 2003 £ £ 9b Publications Editorial & management costs of journals 17,132 19,290 Less surplus onf journals published by RSE Scotland Foundation (7,137) 249 Other publications - 44 9,995 19,583 Proportion of central costs (note 11) 10,588 2,569 20,583 22,152

The RSE Scotland Foundation became publisher of the Society’s journals and Year Book with effect from the 1997 volumes. The Society retains copyright and incurs editorial costs in respect of these publications. The Society has received a donation from the RSE Scotland Foundation equivalent to the Foundation’s net surplus on publications.

10 Buildings, Management and administration 2004 2003 £ £ Buildings and Maintenance 13,518 9,238 22-24 George Street - depreciation 22,061 22,061 26 George Street - depreciation 32,949 32,949 22-24 George Street - expenditure from designated funds 4,101 4,457 72,629 68,705 Management and secretariat 85,074 79,780 Publicity 65,518 80,919 223,221 229,404

11 Central Costs Total Payroll: 685,796 619,061 Less paid by Scottish Science Advisory Committee (62,704) (59,347) Less paid by RSE Scotland Foundation (81,816) (90,529) Salaries (note 12) 541,276 469,185 Value of secondments 63,000 49,875 Staff training, agency and recruitment costs 17,815 25,610 Total staff costs 622,091 544,670

Other Costs: Establishment expenses (22-24 George St) 31,822 23,930 Establishment expenses (26 George St) 93,743 105,545 Computer and equipment costs 3,888 4,432 Communication, stationery and printing costs 43,159 55,906 Travel and subsistence, hospitality 19,318 21,683 Miscellaneous 2,778 2,066 Professional fees 8,346 18,562 Audit fee 5,795 7,344 Depreciation 880 1,519 209,729 240,987 Total Central Costs 831,820 785,657

43 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 11 Central Costs (Continued) In addition to direct costs incurred, central costs have been apportioned to expenditure on functional activities, as follows:

General Designated Restricted 2004 2003 Fund Funds Funds Total Total ££ £ £ £ Cost of generating funds Fundraising 6,945 6,945 33,179 Support costs - charitable activities Publications 10,588 10,588 2,569 Meetings 152,077 9,788 161,865 167,864 Educational Activities 27,677 26,644 54,321 48,113 Academic/Industry links 6,945 6,945 10,474 Fellowships Office 48,906 48,906 45,386 International links 83,774 83,774 62,789 Evidence, advice & comment 69,946 4,562 74,508 94,403 Promotion of Research 2,667 208,014 210,681 153,489 Prizes and Grants 3,218 5,362 16,055 24,635 15,127 Management and administration Buildings and Maintenance 13,518 13,518 9,238 Management and Secretariat 79,457 5,617 85,074 79,780 Publicity 50,060 50,060 63,246 555,778 37,623 238,419 831,820 785,657

Total Paid by Paid by Paid by Paid by 2004 SSAC Foundation Society Society 2003 ££ £ £ £ 12 Employees Wages and salaries 566,960 (52,907) (67,694) 446,359 398,746 Social Security Costs 43,415 (4,644) (5,175) 33,596 24,743 Other pension costs (note 21) 75,421 (5,153) (8,947) 61,321 45,696 685,796 (62,704) (81,816) 541,276 469,185

The average number of employees of the Society including those employed under joint contracts with the RSE Scotland Foundation during the year was 26(2003 – 25). Of these two were employed in respect of the Scottish Science Advisory Committee. One member of staff earned over £50,000 per year in respect of duties with the Society.

44 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

22-24 26 George St. George St. Equipment Computer Total ££ £ £ £ 13 Tangible Fixed Assets Cost At 1 April 2003 1,103,038 1,647,468 68,348 40,036 2,858,890 Additions - - 451 - 451 Disposals - - - - - At 31 March 2004 1,103,038 1,647,468 68,799 40,036 2,859,341

Depreciation At 1 April 2003 88,244 131,796 67,990 39,591 327,621 Charge for the year 22,061 32,949 436 445 55,891 At 31 March 2004 110,305 164,745 68,426 40,036 383,512 Net Book Value At 31 March 2004 992,733 1,482,723 373 - 2,475,829 At 31 March 2003 1,014,794 1,515,672 358 445 2,531,269

Value at Investments Proceeds on Gain/(loss) Revaluation Market 1 April 2003 made at cost sale of on sale value at 31 Investments March 2004 ££££££

14a Fixed Asset Investments Managed Funds 350,623 - (40,315) 11,415) 104,500 426,223 Fixed interest 613,394 68,047 (73,473) (2,702) (11,400) 593,866 UK equities 743,099 175,256 (120,521) 23,361) 128,490 949,685 Overseas equities (managed funds) 25,124 - (28,243) 3,119) - - Cash deposits - (243,303) 262,552 --19,249 1,732,239 - - 35,193 221,590 1,989,023

The gain on sale of investments measured against their historical cost was £45,140 (2003 deficit £313,187). 3 Investments comprising more than 5% of the portfolio were as follows: Treasury 5 /4 stock 2009-£112,657; 1 Treasury 5% stock, 2012-£132,899; Treasury 5 /2 % loan 2008/12-£134,574; Treasury 5% stock 2014-£133,185; Murray International Trust-£107,088; Scottish Mortgage Trust - £103,700.

2004 2003 £ £ 14b Loan to RSE Scotland Foundation Due within one year 46,808 46,808 Due after one year 1,984,752 2,031,560 2,031,560 2,078,368

The Loan initially bears interest at 4% per annum, capped at the amount of rent received by the Foundation, and is repayable over the period to 30 June 2047, the expiration of the lease of 26 George Street. On 23 June 2003 Council agreed to waive part of the interest payment due for the year ended 31 March 2004 and interest paid was restricted to rental received from the third floor letting. The capital repayment for the year of £46,808 was paid at the end of the financial year as normal.

45 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 2004 2003 £ £ 15 Debtors General debtors 59,752 64,262 Stock of ties 2,442 3,492 Prepayments and accrued income 6,630 5,246 Income Tax Recoverable 17,764 -

86,588 73,000

16 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year General creditors 60,715 102,398 RSE Scotland Foundation current account 15,330 - Accruals and deferred income 301,709 220,991 University of Glasgow (note 19) 17,737 16,632 Symposia income deferred 14,120 25,660

409,611 365,681

17 General Fund At 1 April 2003 1,142 73,593) Net movements in funds for the year from Statement of Financial Activities 67,9610 (72,451)

At 31 March 2004 69,103 1,142)

46 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 Capital Building Staff Development Prog. C H Kemball Grants Dr James Total Asset Maintenance Restructuring Appeal Fund Fund Fund Heggie Reserve Fund Fund Fund Fund ££ £££££££ 18 Designated Funds At 1 April 2002 4,608,834) 155,866) 33,255 275,823 - 14,627) 424,616) 164,400)) 5,677,421 Investment income -) 5,001) 1,067 10,090 -) 812 23,606) 9,140 49,716 Other income - - - 56,558 - - - - 56,558

Less Direct expenditure - (4,101) - - - (828) (16,754) (10,668) (32,351) RSE admin and staff costs - - - (5,617) - - (5,363) (26,643) (37,623)

Surplus/(deficit) for the year -) 900) 1,067 61,031) -) (16) 1,489) (28,171) 36,300

Transfers between funds Re building depreciation (55,010) 55,010 ------Re loan repayment (46,808) ------(46,808) Re Programme Fund - - - (33,688) 72,737 - (39,049) - - from General Fund - - 8,095 - - - - - 8,095 (101,818) 55,010 8,095 (33,688) 72,737 -) (39,049) - (38,713)

Net gains on investment assets Realised -) - - - - 297 8,627 3,340 12,264 Unrealised -) -) --) - 1,872 54,317 21,030 77,219

At 31 March 2004 4,507,016) 211,776) 42,417 303,166) 72,737) 16,780) 450,000 160,599) 5,764,491)

As described in note 2, the Development Appeal Fund comprises the receipts from the Appeal launched in 2001 to raise funds to finance developments in implementing the Society’s Corporate Plan. The Programme Fund is a new fund created by the the Council to provide support for meetings activities.

47 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 Robert Lessells Auber Prizes Dryerre Others Restricted Total Cormack Trust Bequest Fund Fund Income Bequest ££££££££ 19 Restricted Funds At 1 April 2003 82,841) 292,507) 252,742) 54,537) 344,931) 25,655 - 1,053,213) Donations and Grants -8 9,9480 -8 -8 -8 -8 305,656 315,604) Income from activities -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 -8 1,590,238 1,590,238) Investment income 4,605) 16,262) 14,051) 3,032) 19,176) 1,426 - 58,552) Less Direct Expenditure (3,957) (22,810) (4,000) -8 (11,040) (1,600) (1,677,853) (1,721,260) RSE Admin and staff (1,603) (5,659) (4,890) (1,055) (6,674) (497) (218,041) (238,419)

Surplus/(deficit) for year (955) (2,259) 5,161) 1,977 1,462 (671) - 4,715

Net gain on investment assets Realised 1,683 5,943 5,135 1,108 7,008 521 - 21,398 Unrealised 10,597 37,418 32,331 6,976 44,124 3,282 - 134,728

At 31 March 2004 94,166 333,609 295,369 64,598 397,525 28,787 - 1,214,054 ) “Prizes Fund” comprises The Keith Fund, The Neill Fund, The Makdougall-Brisbane Fund, The Gunning-Victoria Fund, The James Scott Prize Fund, The Bruce-Preller Lecture Fund, The W.S. Bruce Memorial Fund, The Dr D.A. Berry Fund, The Henry Duncan Prize Lecture Fund and The BP Prize Lecture in the Humanities Fund. “Others” comprise the Piazzi- Smyth Legacy Fund, the Retailing Seminar Fund and the CASS Fund. The Retailing Seminars Fund arises from the donation of the surplus from an earlier series of meetings that publicised research in the retailing sector. The fund is to be used to support meetings in this area. Under the terms of the Lessells Trust the University of Glasgow is entitled to 10% of additional amounts received by the Society from the Trust. The balance included in Creditors at 31 March 2004 represents the total sum apportioned but not yet paid over to the University (note 16).

Unrestricted Designated Restricted 2004 2003 Funds Funds Funds Total Total ££ £ £ £

20 Analysis of Assets between Funds Fund balances at 31 March 2004 are represented by : Tangible fixed assets 373) 2,475,456 - m)) 2,475,829) 2,531,269) Investments 108,539) 666,430 1,214,054) 1,989,023) 1,732,239) Loan to RSE Scotland Foundation - m) 2,031,560 - m)) 2,031,560) 2,078,368) Current assets 86,588) - m) - m)) 86,588) 73,000) RSE Scotland Foundation current account (15,330) - m) - m)) (15,330) 63,125) Deposits - m) 591,045 208,955) 800,000) 501,130) Bank overdraft less cash (54,788) - m) 129,047) 74,259) 118,326) Current liabilities (56,279) - m) (338,002) (394,281) (365,681)

69,1031 5,764,491 1,214,054) 7,047,648) 6,731,776)

48 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 21 Pension Costs a) USS The Society participates in the Universities Superannuation Scheme, a defined benefit pension scheme which is externally funded and contracted out of the State Second Pension (S2P). The assets of the Scheme are held in a separate trustee-administered fund. The fund is valued every three years by a professionally qualified independent actuary using the projected unit method, the rates of contribution payable being determined by the trustee on the advice of the actuaries. In the intervening years the actuaries review the progress of the scheme. It is not possible to identify each institution’s share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme and hence contributions to the scheme are accounted for as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The cost recognised within the deficit for the year is equal to the contributions payable to the scheme for the year. The latest actuarial valuation of the scheme was at 31 March 2002. The most significant assumptions, those relating to the rate of return on investments and the rates of increase in salary and pensions, are as follows:

Past Service Liabilities Future Service Liabilities Investment return 5% 6% Salary Increase 3.7% 3.7% Pension Increase 2.7% 2.7%

At the valuation date the market value of the scheme’s assets was £19,938 million and the value of past service liabilities was £19,776 million leaving a surplus of assets of £162 million. The value of the assets represented 101% of the benefits that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. The contribution rate payable by the Society was 14.0% of pensionable salaries. The actuary has confirmed it is appropriate to take the pension charge to be equal to the actual contribution paid in the year.

b) Lothian Pension Fund

The Society also participates in the Lothian Pension Fund, a defined benefit pension scheme established under local government pension fund regulations. This scheme has determined that it is possible at a cost to ascertain the share of assets and liabilities relating to individual admitted bodies. The assets of the Scheme are held in a separate trustee-administered fund. The fund is valued every three years by a professionally qualified independent actuary using the projected unit method, the rates of contribution payable being determined by the trustee on the advice of the actuaries. In the intervening years the actuaries review the progress of the scheme.

The latest actuarial valuation of the scheme was at 31 March 2002. The major assumptions used by the actuary were that, over the long term, the return on the scheme’s assets would be 6.2% per annum, salary increases would average 4.1% per annum and present and future pensions would increase at a rate of 2.6% per annum.

At the valuation date the market value of the scheme’s assets was £1,792 million and the value of past service liabilities was £1,866 million. The value of the assets represented 96% of the benefits that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. The contribution rate payable by the Society was 285% of employees’ contributions of 6% of pensionable salaries, amounting to 17.1%. The actuary has confirmed that it is appropriate to take the pension charge to be equal to the actual contribution paid during the year.

Whilst the Society continues to account for pension costs in accordance with Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 24 ‘Accounting for Pension costs’, under FRS 17 ‘Retirement benefits’ the following transitional disclosures are required: The valuation at 31 March 2002 has been updated by the actuary on an FRS 17 basis at 31 March 2004; the major assumptions used in this valuation were: 2004 2003 Rate of increase in salaries 4.4% 4.0% Rate of increase of pensions in payment 2.9% 2.5% Discount rate 5.5% 5.4% Inflation assumption 2.9% 2.5%

The assumptions used by the actuary are the best estimates chosen from a range of possible actuarial assumptions which, due to the timescale covered, may not necessarily be borne out in practice.

49 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

21 Pension Costs b) Lothian Pension Fund (Continued) Scheme assets The fair value of the scheme assets, which are not intended to be realised in the short term and may be subject to significant change before they are realised, and the present value of the scheme’s liabilities, which are derived from cash flow projections over long periods and thus inherently uncertain, were: Expected Value at Expected Value at return 31 March 2004 return 31 March 2003 £’000 £’000 Equities 7.7% 1,441,947 8.0% 1,029,900 Bonds 5.1% 117,334 4.8% 125,000 Other- Property 6.5% 156,085 6.0% 153,187 Cash 4.0% 124,888 4.0% 37,100 Whole scheme assets 7.2% 1,840,254 7.4% 1,345,100

£’000 £’000 Of which RSE share 345)) 99) Present value of scheme liabilities (429)) (308) Deficit in the scheme - Net pension (liability) (84)) (109) The amount of this pension deficit would have a consequential effect on reserves. The movement in the net pension asset/ liability during the year comprised: £’000 Deficit at 1 April 2003 (109) Current service cost (49) Employer contributions 60) Net return on assets - Expected return on employer assets 18) Interest on pension scheme liabilities (19) (1) Actuarial gains Actual return less expected return on pension assets 48 Experience losses on Scheme liabilities (1) Changes in assumptions underlying present value of scheme liabilities (32) 15 Deficit at 31 March 2004 (84) If FRS 17 had been fully adopted the movements would have been recognised in arriving at net incoming resources other than the actuarial loss which would have been included in unrealised losses. c) Pension Charge The total pension charge for the year was £66,274 (2003 – £45,696) 22 Transactions with Council members No member of Council received any payments other than reimbursement of expenditure on travel and subsistence costs actually and necessarily incurred in carrying out their duties as Councillors and Officers. The aggregate of such reimbursement amounted to £3,418 (2003 – £5,893). 23 RSE Scotland Foundation RSE Scotland Foundation is a charitable trust, recognised in Scotland as Scottish charity number SCO24636. It was created in March 1996 with the object of advancing the education of the public in Scotland in science and engineering and in so doing to conserve the scientific and cultural heritage of Scotland. The President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Curator and a Vice President of the Society are ex officiis Trustees of the Foundation, which draws on the resources of the Society in carrying out its objects. The Foundation also has five nominated Trustees. The Foundation became publisher of the Society’s journals under a Publications Rights Licence effective from 1 January 1997. The Foundation has also carried out work in support of the Society’s involvement in the Scottish Science Trust and the implementation of the Technology Ventures Strategy. On 1 July 1997 the Society granted to the Foundation a 50 year lease over 26 George Street carrying an obligation to refurbish the building within a three year period. The Council of the Society agreed to make funding of up to £2.3 million available to the Foundation in support of the refurbishment. The agreed terms of the loan are as described in note 14 b. A waiver of interest was agreed for the years ending 2002, 2003 and a partial waiver in 2004 to assist the Foundation in extinguishing its deficit of net assets.

50 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 23 RSE Scotland Foundation (Continued) At 31 March 2004 the financial position of the RSE Scotland Foundation was as follows:

2004 2003 £ £ Net Liabilities Fixed assets 2,013,615) 2,061,700) Current assets 91,853) 58,624) Current liabilities RSE Current Account -) (63,125) Loan from Royal Society of Edinburgh (46,808) (46,808) Other (144,537) (130,298) Creditors over one year:-Loan from Royal Society of Edinburgh (1,984,752) (2,031,560)

Represented by Income and Expenditure Account (70,629) (151,467)

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2004 was as follows:

Incoming resources 2004 2003 £ £ Donations, grants and similar incoming resources -) 249) Charitable activities Publications 93,480) 98,470) Licence fees 91,400) 100,417) Conference Facilities letting ( net ) 63,760) 74,343) Activities for generating funds Rental and service charges receivable 196,800) 118,140) Fundraising event -) 33,146) Investment income - bank interest 216) 479) 445,656) 425,244)

Cost of generating funds Building management 52,153) 45,371)

Net incoming resources available for charitable application 393,503) 379,773) Charitable expenditure Conference facilities hire 53,571) 46,477) Publications 93,480) 98,718) Building costs recovered) 91,400) 100,417) Donation to RSE Development Appeal fund -) 33,146) Management and secretariat 29,747) 38,493) Depreciation on leasehold improvements 44,467) 44,446) Total Charitable expenditure 312,665) 361,697) Total resources expended 364,818) 407,168) Net incoming resources and movement in funds for the year 80,838) 18,076)

Balance brought forward (151,467) (169,543)

Balance carried forward (70,629) (151,467)

The Council of the Society has confirmed to the Trustees of the Foundation that they will continue to support the Foundation and will not call for the repayment of the current account balance in the foreseeable future.

51 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004

24 Supplementary Information ; grants, donations, receipts 2004 2003 a) Scottish Executive Grants £ £ Income Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Department Promotion of Research 563,813 500,145 Scottish Science Advisory Committee 150,000 150,000 Activities grant 369,087 328,000 International activities 125,000 14,467 Other departments support for meetings GM Gene Flow - 2,000 Scotland in Sweden - 18,096 1,207,900 1,012,708

Direct Staff and 2004 2003 Costs other costs Total Total Allocated to Functional Activities £££ £ Scottish Science Advisory Committee 150,000 - 150,000 150,000 Meetings office - 126,062 126,062 81,787 Educational activities - 27,677 27,677 40,335 Publications office 9,410 10,588 19,998 18,623 Promotion of research 496,046 67,767 563,813 500,145 Evidence advice and comment - 69,946 69,946 94,403 International activities 100,607 25,000 125,607 14,467 Management and secretariat - 79,457 79,457 79,780 Buildings - Establishment expenses - 31,822 31,822 23,930 - Maintenance - 13,518 13,518 9,238 756,063 451,837 1,207,900 1,012,708

The Scottish Executive provides grant-in-aid under the powers of S.23 National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 to meet the costs of SEELLD Research Fellows, and costs of activities including the cost of maintaining the Society’s premises and a share of the Society’s staff and other costs. In addition to the cash grants set out above, the Society benefited from a staff secondment from the Scottish Executive, which has been included in the accounts at its value to the Society of £36,750.

Expenditure in relation to the Scottish Science Advisory Committee comprised: 2004 2003 £ b £ b Chairman’s fee, salaries and other staff costs 95,504 92,225 Establishment 15,079 19,689 Office costs 4,302 6,445 Travel and subsistence 4,767 8,174 Committee and working groups 6,734 6,214 PR and publicity 10,918 1,280 Printing 14,351 4,091 Professional services 4,569 3,963 156,224 142,081 Less balance brought forward (7,919) - Balance carried forward 1,695 7,919 150,000 150,000

This includes amounts paid to the Society for use of office space and services.

52 Auditors’ Report and Accounts

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 BP Research Caledonian Scottish Lloyds TSB Wellcome Fellowship Research Enterprise Foundation for Trust Trust Foundation Scotland £ ££££ 24 b) Donations Income Promotion of research – receipts 143,909 30,979 591,216 273,750) 3,556 Transferred to deferred income - - - (71,509) - Meetings Income - 26,193 - -) - 143,909 57,172 591,216 202,241) 3,556

Costs Promotion of research133,039 27,362 510,445 181,615) 2,567 Conference - 17,394 - -) - Workshops - - - -) - RSE administration and staff costs 10,870 12,416 80,771 20,626) 989 143,909 57,172 591,216 202,241) 3,556

The BP Research Fellowship Trust supports postdoctoral fellowships in Scottish HEIs. The Trustees of the Trust are the President, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The Caledonian Research Foundation supports postdoctoral fellowships in biomedical sciences and European visiting fellowships, a prize lecture and an international conference. The Wellcome Trust sponsors a series of research workshops. The Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland supports postdoctoral Fellowships, postgraduate studentships and lectures and conferences to fund and disseminate research aimed at improving the quality of life for an ageing population. c) Donations in Support of Meetings The Society gratefully acknowledges all those who make donations in support of meetings. The companies, trusts and other bodies that made donations of £1,000 or more in the year ended 31 March 2004 are as follows:

Archibald Campbell & Harley WS The Binks Trust British Neuropathological Society The Darwin Trust Food Standards Agency Scotland Historic Scotland Pathological Society of Great Britain Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Scottish Executive Health Department Sir Walter Gibley Memorial Company Limited

25 Analysis of net funds At At 31 March Cash 1 April 2004 flows 2003 £ ££ Cash at bank 74,259 (44,067) 118,326 Deposits re restricted funds 208,955 172,770) 36,185 Deposits re designated funds 591,045 126,100) 464,945 874,259 254,803) 619,456

53 Review of the Session 2003-2004

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2004 26 Main Activities 2003/04 2002/03 Number Number Meetings Lectures 22 27 Symposia/Conferences/Seminars 10 9 Debates 1 2 Workshops 3 5 International activities Exchange visits - bilateral (weeks) 18 - Exchange visits - open (weeks) 19 - Seminars and discussion forum 3 - Voyages of discovery - visits by overseas industrialist 2 - Science Scotland international magazine (issues) 1 - Visitors from overseas institutions 9 2 Young People’s events Science Masterclasses 32 20 Maths Masterclasses 12 8 Schools Lectures 13 7 Christmas Lectures 2 2 Discussion Forum 1 1 RSE Roadshow 1 1 Physics Masterclasses 4 4 Science Summer Camp 1 1 Publications (issues) Proceedings A 6 6 Transactions 3 4 Directory & Review 2 2 ReSourcE (RSE News) 3 3 RSE Fellows Number of Fellows 1385 1333 Candidates for Fellowship 216 249 Research Fellowships and Scholarships Postdoctoral Research Fellows in post 15 16 Support Research Fellows 5 3 European Visiting Research Fellows 7 6 Enterprise Fellows in post 23 10 Applications for Research Fellowships 119 117 Studentships appointed 2 4 Prizes and Grants Royal Medals 3 3 Prizes awarded 3 4 Grants awarded 23 19 Gannochy Trust Award 1 - Central Administration Major inquiries 1 1 Submissions to Government and public agencies 24 34 External events held at RSE 22-26 George Street 130 175

54 SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS 0 80,551

0

£

Value

6,638 50,738 (2,055) (2,055) 112,657 15,750 72,450 21,660 97,185

926

£

£

28,243 3,119 0 73,473 (2,702) 0

£

Sales Gain/(Loss) Revaluation Closing Revaluation Sales Gain/(Loss)

Proceeds on Sale for Year Market for Sale on Proceeds 548 (3,371) 132,899 538 (3,023) 133,185

Purchase

£

movements at valuation. Year Ended 31 March 2004 25,124 76,175

Market Cost

£

Value Opening 45,000 44,100 0 105,000 114,712 0 130,000 114,722 21, 130,000 113,670 22,

130,000 114, 490 23,961 (3,877) 134,574 No

34,000 79,730 34,000 79,730 23,970 103,700 10,000 57,800 40,315 11,415 16,900 45,800 11,415 40,315 10,000 57,800 27,600 80,868 26,220 107,088 Scottish Mortgage & Trust Mortgage Scottish Trust UK Balanced Property Aberforth Geared Cap & Int Trust Trust & Int Aberforth Geared Cap 70,000 56,700 Aberforth Smaller Co Trust plc Trust Aberforth Smaller Co Trust Inv Growth Dunedin Income Trust Murray International 57,000 Accum Trust CF Odey Euro 75,525 Managed funds

HBOS 9.25% IRPF HBOS 9.25% 2010/49 7.387% of Scotland R B 70,000 79,625 Gilts Other Fixed Interest Other Fixed Interest Treasury 5.75% 2009 2009 Treasury 5.75% 2012 Treasury 5% Treasury 5.5% 2008/12 2008/12 Treasury 5.5% Treasury 5% 2014 Treasury 5%

Investment Closing Current Holdings Current Holdings Royal Society of Edinburgh Schedule of Investments-

55 Review of the Session 2003-2004 0 44,153 0 37,577 £ 45,529

41,200 Value 20,655

(2,572) (2,572) 20,262 (1,395) (1,395) 33,108 17,170 64,430 8,000 40,450 3,570 36,120 16,088 49,050 4,654 38,760 6,406 0 3,819 27,015 3,180 10,854 1,913 £

2,214

9,166

£

042 5,727 8,778 25,092

46,843 7,873 0 40,879

£ Sales Gain/(Loss) Revaluation Closing Revaluation Sales Gain/(Loss)

22,

Proceeds on Sale for Year Market for Sale on Proceeds 22,834

23,196

39,287 Purchase £

movements at valuation. Year Ended 31 March 2004 38,970 31,713 37,747 34,397 Market Cost 34,675 32,629 0 £ Value

18,441 Opening 3,100 34,503 4,500 0 5,000 32,450 4,500 32,962 8,400 32,550 0 8,500 34,106 3,000 0 No ings 5,400 ings 0 23,957 1,963 25,920 Barclays 9,500 25p Glaxo Smith Kline Ord Land Securities Group BAA 8,000 Hold Ports Associated British US$0.25 BP Amoco Ord Diageo 5,300 7,700 Firstgroup HBOS Stock 25p US$ 0.50 Ord HSBC Holdings AstraZeneca 1,750 BOC Group 2.5p Ord Legal & General Group Lloyds TSB Group 68,000 47,260 Equities GUS 3,350

National Grid Transco National Grid Transco Pearson 0 Royal Society of Edinburgh Schedule of Investments- Investment Closing Current Holdings Current Holdings

56 Schedule of Investments 32,261 35,029 21,480 0 £

Value

(2,456) (2,456) 32,351 5,476 38,963 (848) (848) (3,357) (3,357) 38,495 2,877 35,750 14,200 47,570 6,672 437 6,072 38,852 8,138 28,875 £

£

10,756 594 0

£

Sales Gain/(Loss) Revaluation Closing Revaluation Sales Gain/(Loss)

Proceeds on Sale for Year Market for Sale on Proceeds 33,109 32,873

Purchase £

239 £243,303 £262,551 £262,551 £243,303 239 £35,192 £221,591 £1,969,774 movements at valuation. Year Ended 31 March 2004 14,808 £1,732, 10,162 Market Cost £ Value

Opening 6,700 0 5,200 0 14,200 33,370 7,142 41,852 9,200 34,592 7,500 20,737 0 14,900 32,780 No Rotork Ord 5p Rotork Ord 25p Ord Scotland Royal Bank of 25p Sainsbury (J) Ord Newcastle & Scottish 2,350 33,487 Reed Elsevier Prudential 4,800 Rank Group Energy Southern & Scottish

Scottish Power Scottish 25p Org & Trading Shell Transport 1.4p Unilever Ord 9,100 TOTALS 1,035,692 34,807 Royal Society of Edinburgh Schedule of Investments- Investment Closing

Current Holdings Current Holdings

57

PRIZE LECTURES CRF Prize Lecture Professor Joan Steitz Yale University 24 and 26 May 2004 PRE-mRNA SPLICING: THE TIE THAT BINDS “The title of my talk emphasises role in surveying the message to that pre-mRNA splicing is in fact a see if it has any mistakes in it, and very central process in the path- they appear to play a role in way of gene expression. localising messages in particular Let me go on to the next slide. I parts of the cell for their transla- would like to start with a diagram tion. Just recently we have that I have taken from a review realised that even the efficiency of article that was written by Tom translation is linked somehow to Maniatis and Robin Reed several the fact that introns have been years ago. What it shows is all the removed from the messenger RNA molecular connections that had in the nucleus. So since all of been uncovered at the time these things involve RNA-protein between splicing and other steps interactions, what we are really in gene expression. You see that thinking about is interactions in splicing not only is connected to the remodelling of RNA-protein other steps in RNA processing like interactions in a dynamic way, as capping and polyadenylation, but we proceed through the pathway it also talks to the various stages of gene expression. of transcription. I would like to start out with a We have known for a long time couple of slides that illustrate the that splicing is necessary for diversity of RNPs in the universe. export of the messenger RNA to Here is an RNP. These slides were the cytoplasm. That makes sense taken in India a number of years because, of course, you need to ago, and this RNP is clearly very remove the introns before you large and very utilitarian; you can send the mRNA out to be translat- think of it as being like a ribos- ed by the ribosome. A relatively ome. There we also saw other recent realisation is that proteins RNPs. This one is smaller, much that associate with the messenger more exotic, but clearly the same RNA during the process or after sort of functional theme. We also the process of splicing are also saw small RNPs but more modern- very important for things that looking and streamlined. In fact, happen to it once it gets to the this one dates from about the cytoplasm. Specifically, they play a time that molecular biologists began to appreciate that there

59 Review of the Session 2003-2004

were a lot of different kinds of Let me begin by saying a bit more small RNPs in cells doing various about lupus. Systemic lupus things in gene expression. erythematosus is perhaps the best My talk today is going to be known of a group of diseases that divided into four parts. I would could be categorised as rheumatic like to start out by indulging in diseases or autoimmune diseases. history, and going back about 25 Other diseases in this group are years to the time when we things like scleroderma, mixed stumbled across the fact that connective tissue disease, dermat- there were these things called omyositis, polymyositis, and some snRNPs (small nuclear ribonucleo- kinds of rheumatism. These proteins) in cells and that they diseases are not uncommon in the were involved in the process of US. They afflict about one in a splicing. As you will see when I thousand people, and I think the tell you the story, it is a very typical numbers are pretty much the story in science in that there is a same in the UK. They are more lot of serendipity involved. But it is common in women than men, also an atypical story in biomedi- and they are more common in cal science in that it is not at all a blacks than in whites. bench to bedside story. It is more What all these diseases have in a bedside to bench story. It is a common is that in the sera of case, an unusual case, where tools patients are circulating autoanti- provided by clinical medicine, bodies, antibodies against one’s namely autoantibodies from lupus own cellular components. To start patients, provided a way of out here very simply, everybody beginning to dissect what was knows that the immune system going on in the basic biology of makes protein molecules called higher cells. antibodies, which are designed to After I talk about that, I want to defend us against foreign invad- go on and mention briefly two ers like bacteria, viruses and surprises connected with mRNA sometimes cancer cells—which splicing that have happened can have on their surfaces things subsequent to making the that appear foreign. connection between snRNPs and Our immune systems learn very splicing. At the end, I will tell you early in life, and this is currently a current story from the lab about being worked out, how to investigations that illustrate the discriminate between self and previous slide, where you saw the foreign. Sometimes this discrimi- many connections between nation goes awry and people splicing and other steps in gene begin to make antibodies against expression. their own cellular components,

60 Prize Lectures

autoantibodies. If you have antibodies against ribosomes, and autoantibodies, the problems, the many make antibodies against diseases, the pathogenesis are not snRNPs. But snRNPs, small caused by the autoantibodies nuclear ribonucleoproteins, aren’t getting into cells in high enough in this picture because this is a numbers to interfere with the picture of the central dogma in normal functioning of their bacteria, not in higher cells. cellular targets, but rather because SnRNPs are specific to higher cells. cells are lysing and dumping their At this point I need to go back, to contents into the blood stream. tell you about snRNPs, to the fact What then form are immune that as a graduate student, as a complexes; these build up and postdoc and as a beginning cause various problems. For faculty member at Yale, I worked instance, when they lodge in the on RNA structure and function, fine capillaries they cause the red but all in bacteria and its phages. rash from which lupus got its When our first sabbatical leave name, or they can lodge in your from Yale was coming up in 1976/ hair follicles and make your hair 77, it was a good time to start fall out, or in your joints and give thinking about something new. A you joint problems. They affect all lot of people at that time were the internal organs and cause turning their attention from inflammatory responses. So these working things out in bacteria to are really systemic diseases, and thinking about how they hap- they are not nice diseases. pened in higher cells. Everybody’s One of the most interesting presumption was that the basic aspects of autoimmunity is that features of gene expression were the cellular components that tend going to be the same, just more to be targeted, and this isn’t complicated in higher cells. As understood at all, are components you all know, this has turned out of cells which are very abundant not to be the case. and very highly conserved, namely I decided I would like to jump on the components which are the bandwagon, but I also didn’t involved in the central dogma of want to stray too far from RNA. molecular biology. What we are The problem I decided to investi- looking at here is bacterial DNA gate is illustrated here. Again we being transcribed to make RNA, are looking at DNA, this time from and ribosomes attaching to a eukaryotic organism. The RNA translate the RNA into protein. transcripts are decorated not with Many lupus patients, the majority, ribosomes, because this is all make antibodies against DNA, happening in the nucleus and anti-DNA antibodies. Some make ribosomes are in the cytoplasm,

61 Review of the Session 2003-2004

but rather with RNA-binding junk in the genes. In order for proteins. The curious fact had expression to occur, the RNA that emerged that in higher cells there is made has to get spliced, was a huge turnover, a huge removing these junk regions. So, wastage, of RNA. A lot of the that did a lot towards explaining RNA that was synthesised in the the huge RNA wastage, because nucleus simply got decayed and the introns are usually much maybe only in the order of 10% larger than the exons. On the of it ever made it out to the other hand, it raised the question cytoplasm to become messenger of what could be the cellular RNA. I thought if the nuclear RNA machinery that would very gets decorated with proteins and precisely remove the introns and a little bit more was known about join the exons back together so these proteins, maybe the pro- that the message would be able teins that bind are deciding which to be read and read absolutely in of the RNAs survive and which of frame so that it could be translat- the RNAs get decayed. I decided it ed into proteins. would be awfully nice to have When I returned to Yale in the fall antibodies against these RNA- of 1977, since we were an RNA binding proteins. We were in the lab, everybody was very excited lab of Klaus Weber and Mary about working on splicing. Osborn in Göttingen, where they However, I admit we were not too are good at making antibodies. clear about what we should do So I spent seven months isolating and where we should go. Then, these proteins, injecting them into the first bit of serendipity came in various animals trying to get January of 1978, when a new antibodies that could be used as issue of the journal Nature arrived, tools to study this phenomenon. and at the back was an article with But I completely failed because an obscure title. I have underlined these proteins are very highly the salient sentence here that conserved and very non-immuno- says: “Patients with MCTD have genic. Thus, I ended up doing high titres of antibody to nuclear something else for the rest of my ribonucleoprotein (RNP) which sabbatical. also gives a nuclear speckled Of course, 1977 was the year that pattern on cell substrates in direct evidence came together from labs immunofluorescence.” The in all different parts of the world reason that this caught my eye is that told us that our genes are because when I was trying to quite different from the genes in make antibodies and was failing, bacteria. Namely, they are inter- several people had said that they rupted by introns, bits of apparent had heard of some diseases where

62 Prize Lectures

patients made antibodies against antibodies were targeted against something that was nuclear and something that was small, was had RNA and protein in it. But at very abundant, and was very that time I didn’t know any highly conserved, we decided to clinicians to ask about how I could keep working. It was very frustrat- get such patient antibodies. ing. For about a year Michael kept When the article arrived, I had a trying to fractionate the antigen new MD/PHD student in the lab and it kept disappearing. We later named Michael Lerner. He had realised that RNase was chewing just been to all his medical school up the RNA component. courses. I asked Michael, “Do you The second piece of serendipity know anybody here at Yale that was when Joan Brugge came to might have patients with MCTD?” Yale to give a seminar and talked He said, “Sure, I’ll go and see about a new reagent called Hardin.” Hardin turned out to be Pansorbin that had just come on John Hardin, head of the Rheuma- the market. It was basically a tology Section in the Department preparation of Staphylococcus of Medicine. Michael went across aureus cell walls, which has a the street and that very afternoon protein in it called protein A, came back with a couple of vials which binds to the constant of sera from patients with lupus region of antibodies. She was and other related diseases. We using Pansorbin with S35-labelled began to work with them. extracts of virus-infected cells to I want to inject here a rather which there were antibodies to sobering thought. What we did pull out the immune complexes was possible 25 years ago. But if and examine what proteins were that happened today, before you there. So what we decided to do, can even think about working as you see fractionated here, was with human materials, you have to to label Hela cells with P32, which fill out all sorts of forms and go labels all small RNAs from tRNA through all sorts of committees. size (about 70 nucleotides) up to We probably never would have the size of U2, less than 200 proceeded, but we did at that nucleotides, and use the same time. trick to try to pull out these complexes. In this lane what you We started working with the see is Michael’s own serum; autoantibodies and very quickly happily he didn’t have any found out they were not directed autoantibodies which precipitated against the large RNPs that I had any RNA-protein complexes. tried to make antibodies against previously. However, since the But with the various patient sera that we had accumulated, we saw

63 Review of the Session 2003-2004

very distinct patterns. When we that the sequence at the five looked at the RNA molecules, we prime end of the U1 RNA was realised that one was a molecule complementary to the five prime called U1 and one was a molecule ends of introns, whose sequences called U2, which had previously were beginning to be determined. been characterised as small So we suspected that perhaps that nuclear RNAs in the labs of Busch at least this particle might be and Weinberg and Penman. involved in splicing. You can also There were three other RNAs that use antibodies to localise things we named U4, U5 and U6 in this in cells. Here we see an autoanti- lane. This is the RNP pattern, body against ribosomes, showing precipitating U1 RNA, that was that they occupy the cytoplasm mentioned in the Nature article. and the nucleolus, which is the We knew from the medical locus of ribosome biogenesis in literature that Sm was a related cells. With the anti-RNP serum and overlapping autoantibody directed against the U1 particle, specificity. you see the converse pattern. It You can do the same experiment tells you that the U1 particles are by labelling cells with S35 to look in the nucleoplasm, which, of at the proteins. There was lots of course, is where the chromatin is evidence that the antibodies were and where pre-mRNA is being directed not against the RNAs made and spliced, but not in the themselves but against proteins cytoplasm nor in the nucleoli. that bound to the RNAs. I am not We also did a number of experi- going to show you the data but ments where we put pre-mRNA instead a cartoon that gives our substrates into an extract and conclusions. Namely, there were allowed snRNPs to bind and asked some proteins in common by protection methods where did between the particles containing they bind. Were able to deduce the U1 small nuclear RNA and the that U1 indeed bound to five U2, and then there were some prime splice sites and U2 bound proteins that were specific to each to what was at that time becom- of these particles. We then called ing recognised as the branch site, these particles small nuclear a very important locus (I’ll get to ribonucleoproteins, snRNPs, or that in a moment) for the splicing “snurps” for short. reaction. If you possess antibodies against One of the nice things we were something and you want to try to able to rationalise even just at the figure out what its function might time that in vitro splicing systems be, there are several things you became available, was that the can do. We immediately realised minimum size of introns was

64 Prize Lectures

dictated purely by putting the So let me flash forward a bit. different snRNPs on the pre- Today we have beautiful pictures messenger RNA. This slide shows of the spliceosome in action. This how much of an intron is protect- is from Ann Beyer’s lab in Virginia. ed from digestion by the binding We see here Drosophila chromatin of each of the snRNPs. If you add being transcribed into RNA them up it comes to about 65 molecules and particles building nucleotides, which is in fact the up at the five prime and three smallest size of our introns. prime splice sites. Here is an Making an intron even smaller assembled spliceosome with the means you can’t get all the intron looped out. Thus, what snRNPs on. So, obviously, you one pictures from test tube can’t splice out an intron that is experiments is in fact happening smaller. when visualised in the electron What I have told you so far is that microscope. gene expression in higher cells, in Work from many different labs contrast to bacteria, involves a achieved in vitro splicing reac- whole other class of RNAs, the so- tions, from which we put together called snRNAs. They are part of a picture of what is happening the snRNPs that assemble to make during the spliceosome cycle. It up the spliceosomes. They are, of starts with recognition of the course, necessary for the exact three prime splice site by protein removal of introns from the pre- factors. There are probably on the messenger RNA before you send order of 100 different protein the message out to the cytoplasm factors involved in splicing, in to be translated. addition to the proteins which are The next slide is a picture of the already tightly bound to the people in my lab at that time. This snRNAs. After the U1 and U2 is Michael Lerner, whom I particu- particles bind, the U4/U5/U6 larly wanted to point out. On the snRNP joins. It is a tri-snRNP. The day this picture was taken, we next step is the nucleophilic attack were being visited by my col- of the two prime hydroxyl of the league Sid Altman of catalytic RNA branch-site A residue on the five fame. That was because for a prime splice site to form the lariat while we thought maybe the U2 intermediate. Then, in the second snRNP might be his RNase P step, the two exons are ligated, activity in higher cells. We had no and the intron is degraded and idea initially what U2 was doing. the snRNPs recycled. It later turned out, of course, to be I want to point out that by the involved in splicing. time of the first step, already the U1 and U4 snRNPs are less tightly

65 Review of the Session 2003-2004

associated. Thus, the focus is on conserved. A loop in U5 is also the U2,U5 and U6 particles as very highly conserved. It has been perhaps being part of the catalytic shown in a number of experi- machinery of the spliceosome. ments that it helps align the two Also, I want to emphasise that ATP exons for the second ligation step hydrolysis is needed for both of the reaction. Finally, there is a steps of splicing. This is not sequence in U6 that is very highly because the phosphates enter conserved that replaces the five either the intermediates or the prime end of U1 at the five prime products, but because energy is splice site before the catalytic needed for all the dynamic steps occur. changes that take place during U6 is the most highly conserved the process of splicing and snRNA, contributing to the belief probably also for the fidelity of that it is part of the catalytic core. the splicing process. U4, which you see paired to U6, is What is going on catalytically a sort of chaperone that brings U6 hasn’t been proven, but everyone into the spliceosome. It is then in the field suspects that a released and U6 refolds, this time spliceosome conducts RNA associating with U2. catalysis assisted by proteins. Part The remarkable thing about the of that comes from looking in a spliceosome I have described to number of different organisms at you is its versatility. It can splice the structures of the snRNAs that introns of greatly different are at the core of the spliceosome. lengths—huge ones as well as Although the snRNAs can vary in small ones. It somehow manages length and in secondary structure, to find the right splice sites in the each one has a short region that is pre-mRNA sequence. Also, it can almost absolutely conserved from splice pre-mRNAs that have many yeast to man. Those regions have different exons and introns. It been localised as being right manages to do this in an orderly where the action is in the spliceo- fashion and also manages at some during either the first or the different times of development or second step. For instance, I have in different states of differentia- already mentioned that the five tion to combine the exons in prime end of the intron base pairs different ways to give rise to with the five prime end of U1 alternative splicing. This is one of snRNA, which is conserved from the great current challenges in yeast to man. There is a region in splicing— understanding how the U2 that base pairs with the branch spliceosome, under some condi- site, bulging out the branch-site A tions, ignores the existence of an residue. That is also very highly exon and splices in a different way

66 Prize Lectures

to give rise to a different protein would have these peculiar isoform. consensus sequences. Given this versatility, it turned out It was Rick Padgett at the Cleve- that it was a huge surprise—at land Clinic who first pointed out least to me—that our cells and the that low abundance snRNPs of the cells of most other higher eukary- same class as the splicing snRNPs otes contain a second might be involved. These had spliceosome. The second splico- been discovered by a graduate some is in much lower student in my lab, Karen Montzka abundance. It is absolutely Wassarman, several years prior. necessary to remove a subset of She had called them U11 and our introns. I want to tell you a U12, which turned out to be little bit about it at this point. prescient because U11 is the U1 The evidence that there might be analogue and U12 is the U2 another spliceosome first began analogue. She could have named to emerge in the early 1990s them the other way around, in when databases were accumulat- which case it would have been ing to the extent that people hopelessly confusing. Padgett could line up the boundaries pointed out that like U1 base between exons and introns and pairs to a five prime splice site and look at the consensus sequences. U2 base pairs to the branch site, What was realised that there were there are sequences in U11 that a few genes that instead of could potentially base pair with starting with the nearly invariant the different ATAC five prime GU and ending with AG, like most consensus sequence and in U12 introns do, appeared to start with that could potentially pair with AU and end with AC. At the DNA the different branch point level this is ATAC, and so they sequence. were called ATAC introns for After that, a very talented postdoc short. I list the first ones to be in my lab, Woan-Yuh Tarn, recognised here, and you can see managed to put together an in that there is no particular theme vitro splicing system that would in holding their genes together. fact splice an intron containing There would be just one of these the minor intron consensus introns in a gene; not very many sequences. She was able to show of them, just a few. The ATAC that U12 associates with the intron wouldn’t be either the first branch point by several means intron or the last intron, or the and that U11 is also part of the biggest intron or the smallest second spliceosome. intron. Just one of the introns

67 Review of the Session 2003-2004

At first our thinking was that since the minor spliceosome on the U6 was believed to be part of the order of 1/100th the abundance catalytic machinery, and U4/5/6 of the major class snRNPs. were sort of a core particle, maybe One of the most pleasing things you just used U11 and U12 to about the minor spliceosome has recognise the intron ends and been what it tells us about models then pulled in the core machinery. for the catalytic core of the When Woan-Yuh tried to look for spliceosome. Here you see a U4, U5 and U6 in the second picture, derived mostly from work spliceosome, she didn’t find U4 or in Christine Guthrie’s lab—genetic U6. It turned out that in fact there suppression experiments— are low abundance counterparts. suggesting that U6 and U2 come Here again we are talking about 1/ together to form an elbow-like 100th of the amount. Two structure. Nearby are sequences additional RNAs called U4atac and that base pair with the five prime U6atac again can base pair with splice site and with the branch each other. U4atac brings U6atac site. In this way, the branch-site A into the spliceosome, thus residue is juxtaposed for attack on contributing a corresponding the five prime splice site during function to the second spliceo- the first step of splicing. Al- some. though only some of the One of the very interesting things sequences are conserved, the fact about U6atac from human cells is that you can draw the same types that its sequence is more diver- of structures lends credence to the gent from the regular U6 than the idea that the model might be yeast and human U6s are from more or less correct. each other. This is quite diver- We now know that minor class gent, but you can draw the same splicing is not determined by the sorts of structures. What then terminal intron di-nucleotides. turned out to be the case was that More often they are GU and AG, one snRNP is in fact utilised by just like major class introns. both spliceosomes. That is the U5 Instead, it is the longer sequences snRNP, but somehow the minor at the five prime end and the class introns are recognised by branch site that are determining. four distinct snRNPs. Many of the We also know that these introns protein components of the two and the second spliceosome must spliceosomes turn out to be the be at least a billion years old same. This has been established because they are found both in in Reinhard Luhrmann’s lab. It is higher plants and in us. About still a mystery as to why the two one in three hundred of our systems don’t get mixed up, with introns are of this second sort.

68 Prize Lectures

There are some current eukaryotic the cell uses. Therefore, potential- species, the yeasts and worms, ly minor class introns could be that don’t have these introns. The regulatory for the splicing process phylogentic tree suggests that and for the pre-mRNAs in which they might have had them at one they occur. We don’t yet know. point, and then lost them over Let me go on at this point and talk evolutionary time. very briefly about small nucleolar So the biggest question (I just RNPs, or snoRNPs. This will be an want to leave you with this about introduction to the last little story the second spliceosome) is where I want to tell you about the did it come from. Here Phil Sharp connections between splicing and and his colleagues have proposed other steps in gene expression. an idea that I actually quite like: We need to go on an excursion to maybe there was a progenitor the nucleolus. What you see here spliceosome that then diverged in is just a part of the nucleus. The separate lineages into what we nucleolus is not membrane bound now know as the major spliceo- but rather where the repeated some and the minor spliceosome. genes encoding ribosomal RNA At some later point the two came are collected together and together, fused and mixed. transcribed by RNA polymerase Because the requirements for the one into precursor rRNA mole- minor spliceosome are more cules. Processing then happens in definitive, what has been happen- the fibrillar component, and in ing since was that we have this larger granular component of converted many minor class nucleolus, the ribosomal proteins introns into major class introns to that have been made in the be used by a spliceosome that is cytoplasm come in and assemble more flexible. That then could together with the newly synthe- acccount for what we see in sised ribosomal RNAs. The current-day genomes. subunits then go back out to the Next you must ask, why do minor cytoplasm to make proteins. class introns continue to exist with One way of looking at the their corresponding spliceosome. nucleolus is by where it’s not. What we do know, because of That is what you see here: again experiments done by Abhi Patel we are looking at where the and an undergraduate in the lab, splicing snRNPs are and you see is that these introns are spliced them in the nucleoplasm and also more slowly. You can increase the Cajal bodies that Angus protein production by exchanging Lamond has done so much lovely the splice-site sequences and work on. They are not in the thereby switching the spliceosome nucleoli. The same cells are here

69 Review of the Session 2003-2004

stained with anti-fibrillarin actually do for the ribosome, but antibodies. Fibrillarin is an the machinery is large. abundant protein component of There are two classes of small the fibrillar parts of the nucleolus. nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and As you shall see in a moment, small RNPs (snoRNPs): one for fibrillarin turns out to be a introducing two prime O-methyl nucleolar (sno)RNP protein. Thus, groups and one for the pseudo U you see the nucleoli and also groups. I am going to be telling slightly the Cajal bodies. you a bit more about the former The main business in the nucleo- class. These small RNAs have lus, as I have already mentioned, is conserved sequence boxes called to make a pre-ribosomal RNA. C and D, and internal copies that About half of the sequences in are similar called C prime and D the pre-rRNA get thrown away in prime. What happens is that the the process of releasing the ribosomal RNA can base pair, mature RNAs, which are found in usually perfectly, for 10–20 ribosomes. One of the things that nucleotides upstream of either happens very early to the pre- Box D or Box D prime. If you rRNA is that a number of count 5 base pairs along this nucleotide modifications are helix, that is where the methyl introduced. As you see here, they group is introduced into the are introduced not into the spacer ribosomal RNA. The two prime O- regions that get thrown away, but methylase turns out to be only into the parts of the pre- fibrillarin, which I already men- rRNA that are going to become tioned. It is an autoantigen that is mature molecules. often the target of autoantibodies As indicated, there are two sorts in scleroderma patients. of modifications: two prime O- The most remarkable thing, methyl groups and pseudo U however, about snoRNAs is how groups. You’ll see the latter in they are encoded in our genomes. just a moment. It turns out that It turns out that they are not in for each and every one of these their own transcription units. modifictions, the position is Rather, they are encoded within guided by a small RNA—a small introns, usually of protein-coding nucleolar RNA—in the form of an genes, as you see here. Instead of RNP. Because there are so many of introns being all junk, there are these, there is in fact a huge some fragments of introns that machinery in our nucleoli that is are in fact released, go to the designed to put in these rRNA nucleolus with bound proteins modifications. We are still strug- and have a second life. They do gling with what the modifications something in the nucleolus,

70 Prize Lectures

namely guide the modification of function in cells except to turn ribosomal RNA. You see here that over. the intron is spliced out, is de- With that I would like to move to branched, and exonucleases chew the last part of my talk, where I from both ends as the snoRNA want to talk about one particular assembles together with proteins. connection between splicing and At the time this slide was made (it another step in gene expression is an old slide), we didn’t know that we have been working on what the snoRNA function was. recently. That is the assembly of We now know that U15 is one of snoRNAs with proteins into the RNAs that guides two prime snoRNPs. Since the snoRNA O-methylation of a particular site sequences reside within introns, in the large ribosomal RNA. one might expect that this Most of the snoRNA genes, as I assembly process would be mentioned, hide in the introns of coupled to splicing. What I will be protein-coding genes. Interest- telling you about is the work of ingly, they tend to be genes for Tetsuro Hirose, who was a Human ribosomal proteins, as you just Frontiers-supported postdoc in saw, for translation factors, or for the lab and recently went back to nucleolar proteins—all things that Japan, and Mei-Di Shu, a techni- have something to do with cian who worked with him. I will protein synthesis or the biogen- be telling you about the splicing- esis of the protein synthesis dependent assembly of apparatus. That makes sense. intron-encoded Box C/D snoRNPs. But there are some very unusual There is also a small component genes in our genomes where of splicing-independent assembly almost every single intron has a that I shall mention. snoRNA in it. When these genes First, I need to tell you a little bit are spliced, the spliced RNA more about the protein composi- doesn’t have a long open-reading tion of the particles in the Box C/D frame. It doesn’t appear to be snoRNP class. I already mentioned translated, but just very rapidly fibrillarin. Cross-linking experi- degraded. So these are sort of ments were done by a graduate inside-out genes, where it’s the student, Niamh Cahill, who intron pieces that are long lived, introduced 4-thioU residues into and splicing seems only to be a each of the U positions in the device for releasing the introns so conserved boxes, which were that they can be processed into believed to bind proteins. From snoRNAs. As far as we know the her work, we think there are spliced exons don’t have any probably two molecules of fibrillarin, which makes sense

71 Review of the Session 2003-2004

because there are potentially two kDa protein. Although we don’t sites that guide two prime O- have structural evidence for the methylation. There are two Box C/D snoRNAs, they do have proteins, Nop56 and Nop58, the potential for forming the which are related, but non- sheared GA base pairs. Lara’s interchangeable, that bind to evidence indicates that this different distinct places. Both particular U residue assumes a Niamh’s work and the work of very unusual geometry within the Lara Szewczak, a postdoc who structure. used nucleotide analogue The question that I posed is, when interference mapping to study do the snoRNP proteins, and RNA functional groups required particularly the 15.5 kDa protein, for the assembly of snoRNP initiate the assembly of the particles, came up with evidence snoRNP particle? Does it occur that the 15.5 kDa protein is before the intron is spliced? Does binding to the terminal stem. it occur at some particular step That conclusion was also reached during the splicing process? Does by several other labs, notably Nick it occur after the intron has been Watkins in Reinhard Luhrmann’s released and de-branched? What lab. we did know is that assembly has I also need to tell you a little bit to occur before the exonucleases about the terminal stem structure, go to work because, at least for which some of you will know a lot most of the snoRNP proteins, if about as it has been worked on in they are not present the snoRNA David Lilley’s lab. It is believed disappears. It just gets completely that the terminal stem forms a chewed up. new RNA motif, a newly-recog- The first indication that Tetsuro nised RNA motif, called a kink Hirose had that the two processes turn. We have crystallographic of assembly and splicing might be data on what this RNA motif looks mechanistically linked came when like from structures of the ribos- he examined about 60 sequences omal RNA in the ribosome and of introns containing snoRNAs also from Luhrmann’s lab, where from the human genome and the 15.5kDa protein has been co- plotted where the snoRNA sat crystallised with a piece of the U4 within the intron relative to the snRNA that forms this structure. five prime and three prime splice What’s seen in these structures are sites. What you see here is that two base-paired regions and then they very much prefer to sit about two sheared GA base pairs, which 70-80 nucleotides upstream from extrude a nucleotide that makes the three prime splice site. The very close contact with the 15.5 distance from the five prime splice

72 Prize Lectures

site is much more variable. This extended sequences at its three suggested that there was some- prime end and gets trimmed thing important in the down to the mature-sized snoR- positioning. NA. Again the requirements for What Tets first did were deletion Boxes C and D and for the correct experiments to look at snoRNA spacing were all apparent in the in production in transfected cells. vitro system, as in the in vivo He concluded that there was no system. specific sequence required but One of the really nice things that it was the distance between about lots of work having been the snoRNA and the branch-point done on in vitro splicing is that at A residue that was critical—not this point we know much about the distance between the snoRNA the various stages of spliceosome and the three prime splice site. assembly and function. We also That made sense in terms of what have tools with which we can we know about splicing. If you try block the process at each of the moving the snoRNA closer to the various stages. As illustrated here, branch point, you simply don’t see one of the ways of doing this is to it ever being released and assem- use short RNAs, two prime O- bled. If you move it farther away, methyl oligonucleotides, that the efficiency of synthesis simply interact with a snRNP RNA and just drops off. On the other hand, block its action at a specific step. the snoRNA doesn’t have any For instance, one oligonucleotide effect on the splicing process. blocks the attachment of the U2 Again, all these data indicated snRNP to the branch point. some sort of synergy between the Another blocks the replacement splicing process and snoRNP of the U1 snRNP by the U6 snRNP. assembly. Yet another blocks the rearrange- To look at this further, Tets set up ments that take place when the an in vitro system where he could U2 and the U6 RNAs come use a splicing substrate with an together to form the catalytic core. intron and snoRNA within the Finally, it turns out that if you intron. He got both the splicing, replace the AG at the three prime the snoRNA trimming process and splice site, you block splicing after assembly to work in a test tube. the first step and before the Here we see the pre-mRNA and second step. the lariat product, the spliced The idea then was to block the intron product, and the intermedi- spliceosome at these various ates— the two-thirds lariat and stages and ask when do we see the excised five prime exon. Here that the snoRNP proteins have we see that the snoRNA has assembled. Are they assembling

73 Review of the Session 2003-2004

at a particular step? I am going to tation. What you see is that if you show you just one piece of data in throw the two-thirds lariat this slide from such an experi- intermediate back into the ment. What we are looking at reaction, it is not precipitated by here is immunoprecipitation with association of the 15.5 kDa anti-fibrillarin antibodies. In an protein. However, if the lariat is unblocked reaction, you can see generated during the course of association of fibrillarin with the reaction, it is. This says several different intermediates. something active is happening But if you block between the first during the splicing process. and second step of splicing, you So, the conclusions to this point see build-up of the two-thirds are that assembly of the snoRNP lariat intermediate. It is precipitat- (and there are lots of data that I ed by anti-fibrillarin, antibodies haven’t shown you) does seem to against one of the snoRNP occur at a particular step in the proteins. If the boxes in the splicing reaction. If the snoRNA is snoRNA sequence are disrupted, too close to the branch site, you don’t see that, so the results assembly can’t occur properly. correspond to the features you Thus, you never get the snoRNP would expect. assembled and released, again Knowing that the two-thirds lariat arguing that there is synergy. is in fact already binding snoRNP How does it occur? proteins, you can ask whether One possibility is that the spliceo- something about the architecture some serves as a chaperone and of this particular intermediate is helps the formation of the kink important. Or, does the lariat turn so that the 15.5 kDa protein have to be generated during the can recognise it and seed the splicing reaction in order to get assembly of the rest of the the snoRNP proteins assembled? snoRNP proteins. Other possibili- What I am going to show you in ties are that there are direct my next slide is an experiment protein interactions between the where Tets ran a splicing reaction, 15.5 kDa protein and something cut out the two-thirds lariat in the spliceosome. There are intermediate, and simply put it actually two versions of this back into a splicing reaction. He possibility. One is that something asked whether it would pick up interacts and actually deposits the snoRNP proteins. Here we are 15.5 kDa protein on the snoRNA looking at a different substrate, so at this particular stage of spliceo- things are running differently and some function. Another we are using a tagged 15.5 kDa possibility is that only at a particu- protein to do the immunoprecipi- lar stage of splicing is the intron

74 Prize Lectures

cleared of non-specific RNA- of the stem, the efficiency of binding proteins that prevent the production of the snoRNA drops snoRNP proteins from getting on. off. If the snoRNA is instead in Only at that point do the sequenc- the close position, the optimal es at the termini become available position, the stability of the stem for the binding of the 15.5 kDa doesn’t matter too much until it protein. gets to be quite unstable. We At the end, I want to quickly think there are other reasons why mention an alternative mode of this particular snoRNA is not well snoRNP assembly. If I have expressed. convinced you that splicing is Finally, the “nail in the coffin” necessary for snoRNP assembly, experiment to ask whether this some of you will have noticed in idea is right or not, is to take a the graph I showed you earlier snoRNA that is in the optimal that there are some snoRNAs position and move it far away. which sit very far away from the You expect to see its efficiency of three prime splice site. So how do production drop, but then by they get assembled? What Tets adding a stem you expect to realised when he looked at one of recover it. The final bit of data our favourite multi-snoRNA host shows that is in fact what hap- genes was that the snoRNAs that pens. If you move the snoRNA to a sit at the optimal distance have distant position, its efficiency of short terminal stems. In contrast, synthesis drops way down, for the one that is far away, he whereas if you include a long could at least draw a longer stem stem in the flanking sequences, in the vicinity. That also seemed you can up the efficiency of to be the case for other snoRNAs production to a pretty good level. which are located far from the What I have told you would three prime splice site of their suggest that for most snoRNAs host introns. In order to test this that are located at an optimal hypothesis, what one wants to do distance, there really is a mecha- is to destabilise the stems. nistic link between splicing of the Various mutants were made that host intron and the assembly of progressively destabilise the stem. the snoRNP. For those that are One also wants to be able to located far away, having an move the snoRNA from its distant external stem that perhaps helps position to the optimal position the kink turn to form so that the and then ask what happens. Here 15.5 kDa protein can bind, are some in vivo experiments. enables assembly. A somewhat What you see is that in the distant more colourful version of the story position, as you lower the stability is shown here, with splicing-

75 Review of the Session 2003-2004

dependent assembly occurring at more challenges here. There are the C1 stage of the spliceosome many more interactions that need reaction, and independent to be understood on the molecu- assembly occurring earlier. I lar level. A lot of fascinating would like to point out that at biology is going to come out of about the time we found this, such studies. What I find so there came a beautiful paper from remarkable is that a process that Angus Lamond’s lab which talked doesn’t even exist in bacteria, the about the unusual trafficking of splicing process, has become so the 15.5 kDa protein to the central to the whole gene expres- nucleolus. Namely, it goes sion pathway in our cells. I will through the nucleus by transiting leave you with that idea, and through speckles. Getting to the remind you that we started a long nucleolus moreover was depend- time ago with patients who had ent on RNA polymerase two autoantibodies with various transcription. Of course, this all specificities against proteins that fits very nicely with the idea that interact with small RNAs to form the 15.5 kDa protein is getting on RNPs in cells. to the snoRNA co-transcriptionally I want to end by saying thank you and co-splicing. It then moves not just to the people that I from the speckles, where the mentioned specifically, but to all snoRNP has been mostly assem- the wonderful students and bled, to the nucleolus for the postdocs that I have had in the lab snoRNP to function. I am looking over the years. They were the ones forward to discussing more of this that made this story possible. Here with Angus tomorrow. are a few of them that turned up To give credit for the data that I at a recent Halloween party. Each have shown you, I again would one of them is a different snRNP, like to thank Tetsuro Hirose and and you see they are connected Mei-Di Shu and Human Frontiers, with exons. They have five prime as well as HHMI and NIH. I would caps and three prime polyA tails. like again to return to the slide I The whole story is there. I thank started with, for there are lots you for your attention.”

76 Prize Lectures

The Bruce Preller Prize Lecture Professor Sir Keith O’Nions FRS Director General of Research Councils, Office of Science and Technology 6 September 2004 The Threat of Terrorism: The Place of Science Sir Keith O’Nions is one of the most distinguished and eminent geoscien- tists that the UK has produced. He is internationally recognised as one of the most important figures in geochemistry of the past 30 years, leading and contributing seminal research that has had a major impact on our understanding of the Earth. His research area can be broadly summarised as the development of isotopic windows on Earth and Planetary processes. His innovative research in this field has been at the heart of the major conceptual and technical advances in isotope geochemistry and its applica- tion to understanding the origin and evolution of the Earth and evaluating the nature and time scales of processes operating both within and on it. Sir Keith pioneered the use of the Sm-Nd isotopic system to quantify the rates of formation of the continents and timing and scales of depletion of the mantle. He integrated this with other isotopic systems to provide rigorous constraints on the nature and scales of chemical variability and cycling in the crust-mantle system of the Earth. More recently, and using novel material and instrumental methods, he has distinguished isotopic reservoirs in the oceans and ocean current systems and so traced the history of key oceanic circulation patterns. With Sir Ron Oxburgh he developed quantitative methods for determining the flux of He from the Earth, applying this not only to assessment of the rates of crust production at mid ocean ridges and recycling at convergent zones but also to evaluating the energy resource potential of hot rocks at depth. Sir Keith has also made telling contributions to Scottish geology through his long-term research programme on the age and crustal history of the ancient Lewisian gneisses of NW Scotland. In his role as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Defence from 2000 to 2004, he turned his attention to the science of nuclear warheads. In this role he drove the development of simulations and models that ensure the functional quality of the weapons stockpile without the need to verify them by underground testing - an essential element of the Compre- hensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. His role with the MOD and involvement with the science of nuclear detec- tion and weapons monitoring, as well as his deep understanding of

77 Review of the Session 2003-2004

isotopic, chemical and physical processes in the Earth, inevitably led to his strong role in the scientific assessment and analysis of the threats of terrorism, the topic of his talk today. Sir Keith has now moved from the MOD to take up his new and critical position as the Director General of the Research Councils of the UK. In this pre-eminent position with the Office of Science and Technology he will play a major role in guiding, facilitating and promoting high-quality research in the UK. This citation can provide but a flavour of the scope, breadth and impor- tance of the scientific research produced by Sir Keith O’Nions. Through his many high-level administrative, committee, advisory and chairperson roles he is also one of the most influential and important figures in UK Earth Sciences. The RSE is proud to award Sir Keith O’Nions the Bruce Preller Prize Lectureship in the field of Earth Sciences.

“Over the five years that I’ve been The other thing is any views in defence I’ve inevitably had to expressed here should not be take an interest in areas of science construed as UK Government beyond the ones I know - to policy or anyone else’s policy. They become a jack of all trades and are my personal observations, master of none. The lack of my which are collated for this lecture depth in a number of areas will and for your benefit, if not my become exceedingly evident to own. specialists very quickly in this talk. Let me say something at the Since 9/11, inevitably one has beginning about science in the thought about terrorism and the UK. The first point I want to make role of science. So I took this as is that the UK and many other an opportunity to put a few governments have nowadays a observations together. No very clear view as to why they answers, but a few observations. support science. Take science in I give you a couple of health quotes, I mean science, technolo- warnings at the beginning. It’s a gy and the broader research base - subject in which the dividing line they have very clear outcomes for between things that are too investing in science and research. sensitive to talk about and things And these, quite simply, are that ought to be spoken about is economic benefits to the societies difficult to find. But this is on the and countries in which we live, light side of the fence I can assure and public good. And my job at you. the moment in the Office of

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Science and Technology, in effect To move on then, advances in is to work that interface and to science and technology are taking make the arguments to Ministers place at enormous speed and a and the Treasury of the economic much greater proportion of work and public good benefits of today takes place in a global science and enable distribution of context. Because so much of our funds to the scientific community, research is global, research transparently, following the carried out in universities and criteria of scientific excellence and institutes here in Scotland can be world class research. These are made available and disseminated not incompatible objectives. around the globe very quickly with Within that, public good obvious- modern information systems. By ly includes national security and the same token, research carried that is the area that I am moving out elsewhere in the world is towards. available here in Scotland to The standing of the UK in science appropriately skilled people. Yet and research in general is world at the same time it does offer class, by any yardstick that you terrorists new capabilities in invent. We are exceedingly communications in rapid access to fortunate in that regard. We have information and indeed new a very open and receptive research weapons. tradition. In many areas we are I will concentrate quite significant- second only to the United States ly on the potential threat of new in pure output of excellent weapons, or the weaponisation of research and we rarely fall below technical advances. Noting in number three in the world in rather a sober manner that in the others, so we have a very very case of the awful events of the strong tradition. recent past in Russia or of 9/11, With regard to the threats of that the technical advances that terrorism which the events of the have given the greatest impetus or last days [Russian school kidnap- ability to terrorists have probably pings - September 2004] have been communications and made us all too aware of, I must information. The ability to say it’s one of the saddest things communicate - the technology that I have ever experienced but I that we use to do very effective feel, and hope you will concur work, I think, has given great with me, that a very high quality impetus to this, yet probably we world class research base is a are a little bit more preoccupied prerequisite for dealing with the with the potential for new enormously complex problems of weapons. But I will be talking security.

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about potential weaponisation of ate advantage from that asymmet- new technology. ric approach. The next point is that these rapid I will be talking quite specifically advances in science and technolo- about what in shorthand is called gy are not so strongly dependent the CBRN (Chemical Biological on pure government research as Radio Nuclear) threat. The they were. Nor do governments principal reason is that there is really have the ability to control really quite a focus on that threat the dissemination of technology. and a much greater awareness of Rather they are driven by global the potential of that threat enterprise and one should say, following 9/11. Albeit that, as I’ve encouragingly, with great global said, probably advances in benefit. But some perceive us to communications provide the be in an era, living in an era, greatest capability gained so far. moving to an era, of much We have had, and continue to elevated societal risk from the have, a real focus on the threat of rapidity of technical advance. and the “weaponisation” if you like of are concerned at our possible CBRN. And this, coupled with inability to cope with it in a rapid scientific progress in regulatory sense and mitigate the biological and biotechnology risk. Sir Martin Rees, the Astrono- areas is sufficient to cause many mer Royal has written on this people to focus on this point. topic. I’d like to say a little bit about this Inevitably we have to balance the area in some of the observations reality of that against the huge that I make, but I don’t want give good and necessity for these out the message that I necessarily advances. view this as a threat that is vastly The terrorist exploits dissimilar greater than other sorts of threats values to our own. Employs or opportunities that terrorists strategies that we would not might seize. contemplate; organisations and Going back in time, biological capabilities that have the habit of attacks and biological terrorism taking us by enormous surprise don’t appear to be terribly new. regardless of how much deep Mankind has been pretty dastard- thinking we do; capitalises on ly over the years and probably the perceived weaknesses in our earliest record of a biological society, our structures and the way attack took place at the siege of we go about business. And gains Kaffa (Camp Constantinople) in often massive and disproportion- 1346 when Mongols catapulted remains of plague victims into the

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city and started a plague epidemic Will we be able to regain enough - pretty low-tech. control to keep ahead of those The current list of perceived CB that want to use these advances in threats will be well known to you a malign way? all and includes things that have So today where are we? Science been used in a threatening and Technology is advancing manner in the recent past - the rapidly. Results are available chemical agents, mustard gas globally with increasing speed - which has been known for a very it’s a sort of self-sustaining long time, Sarin gas, which was system. The further we go, the produced in the 2nd world war - easier it is to distribute the the substance used in the Tokyo information. This is probably Underground, various others and most evident in biomedical the biological agents : Anthrax, of research where probably also course; plague, nothing new levels of concern are highest. there; Smallpox, we’ve all read Without question, there is about this. And the list is, of potential for misuse. There is course, much longer but these are particular concern over weapons ones that are relatively easy to talk of mass destruction - whether about. The reason why these they be chemical, biological, or appear to be so threatening, not radiological. And this rate does only to the general public and raise certain questions which have governments, but also to most yet to be clearly answered. scientists, is the scientific and These are questions of technical backdrop - the pace of change - the sheer rate that scientific regulation technical and scientific change is - Is it a good thing? taking place. - Is it a bad thing? In the biological area, mapping of - Is it sensible? entire genomes, and in particular the human genome, is probably - Is it naive? and the biggest scientific advance in accountability the last 50 years. Genomes of all sorts of organisms are now - whether researchers or research extremely well known leading to institutions or funders or the increasing knowledge, mostly to DGs of research councils, the good of our health and so on, should or shouldn’t be account- but admittedly offering opportu- able in some way for the nities elsewhere. research that’s being supported. The technical rate of progress as well as the ethical issues. rings alarm bells. Can we cope?

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These are questions that are still detection of pathogens, both in not fully answered, which are I the urban environment and also think of importance to the in the military environment takes scientific community. place. I said I was going to stick around In principle a pathogen could be the biological area, not to give it a distributed in an area of conflict heightened importance in terms or indeed, closer to home, from a of a threat, because I don’t ship, plane or truck, to produce an necessarily believe it is, but it is aerosol cloud. These are things certainly an area where we have a that military people have worried very high level of attention. And about for many decades and this it’s an area where the excellence of is mostly where this research our research in the UK gives us a comes from. very good ability to predict, Basically you ask a series of understand and mitigate. questions - a hierarchy of ques- So to the current threat. Where tions. In essence this means do you start? We have to start making or obtaining some sample with intelligence and answers. of the atmosphere within a region Without these - nothing. There’s of interest. In a technical sense no point putting a vast research the first question is “do the effort into some potential patho- particles have the correct physical gen if there’s no evidence anybody characteristics to be biological?”. knows how to make it, use it, or The non-specific question. deploy it. So intelligence is where After collection of airborne you start, and you will see this is particles, which are then put into the point of all aspects of terror- an aqueous suspension, it ism. How do we meet those becomes possible to ask the threats that intelligence today generic question, “are they would say are realistic threats biological”. And then, through now, or within a reasonable laboratory analysis, comes the timescale? specific question “is this biologi- Let me give you an example of the cal material, x. y or z?”. This is process involved in the biological important in any environment, detection of pathogens - most of not just a military environment. this research has really been done Because it’s rather like an earth- in defence, primarily with the quake. If somebody can tell us thought of protecting deployed there’s going to be an earthquake forces, but it’s also applied more in Edinburgh next Wednesday we generally and I think it gives you may be prepared to lock up and the flavour for how biological move. People will change their

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behaviour if they’re confident of the immune system overall in the the predictions. But you’ve got to human body - and particularly the be pretty confident about a role of dendritic cells. They have prediction of a biological material various functions. But one of before you leave your home or them is to latch onto bacteria and shut up your windows, or find the other things. 1) they can destroy recent booklet from the UK them and 2) they can, if you like, Government. educate other cells - t cells and b Using surface plasma resonance cells - by imposing a memory into spectroscopy in the laboratory, we the system that this stuff is bad can identify pathogens linked to and if you see it, go get it. specific antibodies and obtain a And the vaccine, of course, is quantitated estimate of the stimulating the host defences to density. enable the host to react. But the The challenge in this area is in rate at which vaccination against avoiding false alarms. Again it’s these horrid things is developing like the earthquake. There’s no is sort of in concert with the huge point saying “well we think progress that’s being made in there’s a 10% chance of some- understanding of the immune thing nasty”. False alarms have system. There are people here in got to be very low. We’ve got to the audience that will really be have a very high level of confi- quite expert on these sort of dence. The aim is obviously to things. move to unattended, real-time In terms of vaccines and storing operations - if it takes you three vaccines, the challenges are clearly months in the lab to analyse it, it’s to obtain fewer doses. Those of not terribly useful. And the you who remember anything further challenge is to try and about the Gulf conflict in 1991 develop technologies for stand- will know that all participating off detection and also for troops had very large numbers of detecting the unknown. At the vaccines for this, that, and the moment it’s easy to say that it other - quite large numbers of could be this, could be that - but doses. Although there’s no proof what if someone makes some- that there were adverse effects, thing we haven’t seen before? there is still a debate as to Vaccination is an immensely whether some of the gulf illnesses important area. And the key to all were related to that. this, as an observer rather than a So fewer side effects and rapid practitioner, is in the progressive immunity are requirements. It’s and improved understanding of not much use if it’s going to be six

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months before we develop Another question is whether self immunity. And also simultaneous regulation and awareness of protection against several patho- researchers should be the appro- gens. Progress is very substantial priate way forward. You may in this area within the UK, to the remember, not too long ago, a point that improved plague joint declaration in both the vaccines, 100 times more effective journals Science and Nature on than previous generations have the need for awareness at institu- now been developed. tional and individual levels of the The challenges here could potential for misuse. eventually be in trying to vaccinate Something we have seen in recent against something which is years, is a much greater demand unknown, some engineered from governments for advice from species, and whether a vaccine scientists on a wide range of could be developed for that. As issues, whether it be foot and we enter the future, some of the mouth, whether it be GM, concerns individuals have had is whether it be BSC, whether it be the potential for generating a terrorism itself. Advice that micro organism from scratch, or Governments can view as inde- indeed enhancing the virulence or pendent and which can inform its survivability in the atmosphere of policy and so on. existing organisms. That’s really My sense is that that sort of all I wanted to say on that subject, demand will remain very high, and only to highlight that if one casts I can say that from personal one’s mind over some of the more experience, having been a re- recent terrorist activities they have searcher for most of my life, and been extraordinary low-technolo- one of those people who really gy in terms of weapons, and as I felt that my independent view say, more capability has probably should never be questioned. been gained from the ability to Once you move into Government communicate, plan, acquire circles you really do lose that information, collate it, and so on. independence. Governments Scientists face some new challeng- become very dependent upon es as a result of rapid advances societies such as the Royal Society and increasing potential for of Edinburgh, the Royal Society of misuse. There has been some London, the professional socie- debate, mainly in the US over ties, for an independent view. I whether there should be some think the demand for this will imposed regulation and accounta- increase and I think it is much in bility, be that institutional or our interests to engage fully and individual. actively in that. I think that one of

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the most important things that slight reinforcement of that scientists can do, is to have an responsibility is important, but I expectation during their career, don’t think it is possible to probably at an earlier stage in prevent the dispersal of these their career than my generation, technologies and what to a to engage, to give up a bit of time researcher in a lab may be quite to advise on regulation early in harmless, may be alarming the event. technology ten years down the Just to finish up on biology. I road. So I think we have to be think it unreasonable to take a completely reasonable as to what scaremongering approach, but limitations should be imposed on what can we do. I think the key academic freedom. things are : I want to look at one last example - intelligence as the key to drive before finishing off - Missile the protection efforts, stay Defence. This is something which ahead, know more, understand has oddly gone out of the news, I what is going on, and that is just want to use it as an example where we have a huge advan- of a very determined response to a tage in the UK. We have a very perceived threat from what might literate scientific and technical be best described as rogue states, community. rather than individual terrorists, but there is a fair comparison - focus of research spending, not between serious terrorist organi- at the blue skies level, not sations and a rogue state. necessarily at the level I am talking about with research At the beginning of next month, councils, but focus spending the system of intercept missiles in into security against these California and Alaska comes on threats. If you believe in what stream. I thought I would spend a intelligence tells you, go at moment on this, because techni- them and focus research effort cally it is really quite there. mind-boggling. Returning to the debate as to Missile launch trajectories can be whether there should be codes of described in three phases. The conduct and accountability in boost phase, lasting a couple of terms of limiting the proliferation minutes, a 10-20 minute mid- of progress in biotechnology. In course phase which takes place my judgement, laissez-faire - No. outside the atmosphere, and a I think we have very responsible short landing phase. research councils, universities and Were the US to intercept anything, individuals, I think probably some it would be in the so-called mid-

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course phase where it is well Let me sum up. The first conclud- outside the atmosphere. With ing statement I would make is the both projectiles travelling at about one that I started with.. The key is 5KM per second, when these two an excellent science base that can things collide, or if they collide, better understand, predict and with opposing velocity of 10KM a respond to the broad spectrum of second, the amount of kinetic these threats. A very strong energy which is disposed of, is scientific and technical base is a absolutely huge and everything is prerequisite. vapourised. That is called the In terms of scientific regulation - kinetic energy kill-bill - you can could we regulate, should we see where I did my last year. In regulate? In defence and security technical terms, for the ballistic research there are clear regula- experts in the audience, it is tions. Elsewhere responsible basically firing your gun or a rifle behaviour is entirely preferable. and someone firing one over Participation of active scientists in there and getting the two bullets informing policy and regulation, is to collide and disintegrate. increasingly important, and I Japan is also investing and sense that young people coming moving in that direction, and we along fully understand that and sit there and go “My God, a bit are fully prepared to do that. expensive”. I mention that What are the risks to society from because the cost of the US system very rapid technical advances? is the size of our defence budget. There is concern that the recogni- But America is wealthy, feels that tion of risk and regulations this threat is real, demonstrably cannot keep up with the rapidity has the technology to mitigate of a technical advance, and that that threat to a reasonable level, this leads to heightened risk with and is prepared to invest very catastrophic outcomes I think it is heavily in that. I think in some essential that the UK remains ways it this is an expression of ahead of the curve, and that we how seriously the US has been understand better, mitigate and affected and feels affected by regulate before the event rather these raw terrorist rogue state than after, but actually in this threats. A nation with enormous rapid technical and scientific technical capacity and belief in advance, the benefits, in my view, what technology can do, scores a still massively outweigh the risks very determined response. and threats that I described earlier. That is all I have to say.

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The Henry Duncan Prize Lecture Professor Duncan MacMillan, The Talbot Rice Gallery, The University of Edinburgh 4 October 2004 Scotland and the Origins of Modern Art In 1990, as part of its Purchase of Rooms Appeal, the Society received a donation from the Trustee Savings Bank (Scotland), from which Council created a Prize Lectureship named after the Reverend Henry Duncan, founder of the first Trustee Savings Bank. It is awarded triennially to a scholar of any nationality for work of international repute in Scottish Studies. Past recipients have included Professor Tom Devine FBA FRSE, University Research Professor in Scottish History & Director, AHRB Centre for Irish & Scottish Studies, University of Aberdeen, and Professor David McCrone FRSE, Professor of Sociology, University of Edinburgh. Duncan Macmillan, recently retired from a long and distinguished career in the Department of Fine Art, University of Edinburgh, is the pre-eminent authority on the history of Scottish painting from the Renaissance period to the present day. Through his various books and innumerable articles, he has played a central and pioneering role in bringing Scottish painting to a wider audience, not just within Scotland, but in Britain as a whole and internationally. By raising the general awareness of the centrality of painting to the whole of history of Scottish culture, Professor Macmillan has also provided the inspiration for a whole new generation of scholars in the field.

“Cézanne is universally regarded sitters are present, but we cannot as the father of modern art. So reach them. Their image seems what do we see when we look at permanent, yet somehow it is not such classic images as his Man fixed, but is part of a world that is Smoking a Pipe, or Woman with a in flux; indeed in all Cézanne’s Coffee Pot? We see certainty and mature pictures we seem to see an uncertainty, the monumental and ongoing process, not a state. Nor the provisional, all somehow can we locate pictures like these combined. These are images that as portraits. Their human content convince us intuitively of the is important and they are certainly solidity and grandeur of what we not still-lifes, but nor do they see, yet which we cannot capture belong in any of the traditional intellectually. Indeed in human genres of painting whose disap- terms they are enigmatic. The pearance was a major part of the

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new modernism. Instead, like the further back. In the perspective still-lifes which were such a large suggested by the history of and significant part of Cezanne’s empiricism, too, it is beyond output, these pictures seem argument that the Scottish somehow to represent an epitome Enlightenment was a key episode of the complex and elusive in this story. You cannot fully phenomena that make up our understand the place of the visual comprehension of the history of art in this without the world. Scottish chapter that has hitherto So how did Cézanne get to this been missing and it is my purpose point? What was he trying to say today to provide that part of the to us? I cannot claim to give a narrative. whole answer, but I do believe So after starting with Cézanne, I that hitherto people have looked will go right back to the begin- for it in the wrong place. I don’t ning and return from there by way mean simply that they should of the Enlightenment to that have been looking in Scotland moment at the birth of modern- and have not done so, though ism, a century ago, where I began. Scotland is my main subject today. This is a drawing of a pelican It is more that the place of done from the life by an unknown modern art in the wider history of artist some time around 1620. It is western thought has been part of a huge collection of some generally misunderstood and the nine thousand similar drawings by failure to appreciate the Scottish many different artists that form part of the story has contributed the Paper Museum of Cassiano to that misunderstanding. I del Pozzo. Cassiano was, like believe Cézanne is part of the Galileo, a member of the Ac- central intellectual and imagina- cademia dei Lincei in Rome. The tive project that has shaped the first great scientific academy of modern West; what we have to the modern world, its name call the empirical project, the translates as the Academy of the attempt to understand the world Lynxes and the lynx is famous for around us by investigation and the sharpness of its vision. The description. This is the intellectual academy’s name therefore stresses adventure that has given us the importance of sight, of direct modern science and technology, observation as one of the first but, I will argue, it has also given principles of modern science and us modern art. Looked at that way at its very beginning. It is in it is clear that this adventure did keeping that these drawings, not begin somewhere in the late precise visual records, formed the nineteenth century, but much first ever attempt at an encyclo-

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paedia, an empirical description of attempt to understand the world everything in the known world empirically fell to the northern based on actual observation. It Protestant societies which of was a moment when the objec- course included Scotland. Rem- tives of art and science were brandt was claiming for painting a indistinguishable and is a witness central place in this succession therefore to the place of art at the and artists did remain very much heart of the intellectual revolution part of this endeavour in Holland that was just beginning. especially. You see very clearly with The Paper Museum could never Vermeer’s painting called the Little have succeeded, but before that Street in Delft how they pursued could even have become appar- understanding through descrip- ent, something else intervened to tion and visual investigation. In change the course of history. Delft, too, Vermeer worked Rembrandt painted the Blinding alongside such pioneers of optics of Samson around 1637 as a gift as van Leeuwenhoek, inventor of to his patron, the scientifically the microscope, and there is a minded Constantin Huygens. But clear analogy between his art and the picture does in my view the work of his scientific friends represent only its overt subject and colleagues. from the Bible. The importance of Nevertheless, if you look more sight itself could not be more closely at Vermeer’s work, and plainly stated than in this grue- indeed if you consider the story some image and I believe the real that Tracy Chevalier has woven subject of this otherwise unex- around his painting of the Girl plained gift was the metaphorical with a Pearl Earring, you realise (and later also actual) blinding of how he makes clear that all Galileo, with his telescope the observation, however objective it most sharp-eyed of all the lynxes, may seem, is nevertheless inescap- when in 1633 he was forced by ably coloured by our psychology. the Papal Inquisition under threat This is even more apparent if you of torture and imprisonment to consider Rembrandt’s self- retract his view that the earth was portraits. He was as fully not the centre of the solar system. conversant as Vermeer with the It was a view that Galileo had new science of optics and clearly ascertained empirically and so from such pictures we can see that when he was forced to retract, the painters had already begun to Papal authority overruled the new understand something that is empirical science. The Italian central to my whole topic: that Renaissance ended abruptly and quite simply the ambition of from that time forward the objective description on which

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empirical science is based is understanding stems and can only deeply and permanently flawed. stem from experience, examining In his later self-portraits especially, these principles Hume came to the Rembrandt looks at himself and same conclusion as Rembrandt. asks, how can I be at once both He asked the same question: how subject and object? How can I can we describe a world of which describe objectively what I am we are part? Or as he himself put inseparably part of? Faced with it, ‘the difficulty is how far we are this paradox, scientists have ourselves the objects of our generally had to ignore the senses.’ He then concludes uncomfortable questions it raises devastatingly, “it is absurd to in order to maintain the fiction of imagine we can ever distinguish objectivity on which their disci- betwixt ourselves and external pline depends. It is a variation of objects.” the literary idea of suspension of From this he goes on to argue disbelief. From the start artists that even when we look within knew no such constraint. Art ourselves, we find we are no more could ask such questions. It is than “a bundle of different there that art and science began perceptions which succeed each to diverge to the point where their other with an inconceivable common pursuit was no longer rapidity and are in perpetual flux recognisable. It does not mean and movement.” If even our own that it does not exist, however, far identity is an elusive and uncertain from it. thing, how can we hope to be Undeterred by such sceptical certain of anything else at all? speculation, in England Locke and What Hume did, as George Davie Newton formulated more fully so eloquently puts it, was to than ever before the principles on uncover, “the scandal of the basic which empirical knowledge is epistemological contradictions based. In doing so they helped lay that made nonsense of all the the foundations of the Scottish high claims about the Age of Enlightenment, but it is also Reason.” important to remember here how That is a key observation in this close Scotland and Holland were whole story. It is here, I believe, at this time. It should be no that modern art finds its text. It is surprise therefore that it was in founded on a paradox and the Scotland that Rembrandt and search for a way to resolve it and Vermeer found their first intellec- thus to succeed in the ambition to tual heirs and while the Scottish describe the world as we experi- philosophers accepted the central ence it. Art and science still have a principles of empiricism, that all common goal. It is only that the

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artists are free to recognise its Self-portrait with a Hat, now in elusive complexity. The results they Washington. In doing so, I have produced naturally reflect believe, he was taking this this. argument even further in the The continuing community of direction I am now following. purpose is apparent here where When Rousseau sat for this we see Hume’s sceptical views portrait in the spring of 1766, he reflected directly in the wonderful had just started writing his portrait of him painted by his Confessions. The book is a great close friend Allan Ramsay, the self-portrait, the literary successor second one that he painted to Rembrandt’s epic of self- dating from 1764. In it we already examination and, after glimpse something of Cézanne’s Rembrandt, the first modern position; how certainty and exploration of the nature of self. uncertainty must somehow The book must have been the coexist; and as part of this, the subject of conversation when he enigma of otherness even when was sitting for Ramsay who spoke we are dealing with those closest good French. At the very least to us. And if Ramsay looks Ramsay’s portrait suggests that he forward to Cézanne, he also looks knew what Rousseau was writing, back quite deliberately to Rem- for in his picture the painter brandt, pointedly making the link deliberately equates Rousseau for us between Hume and his with Rembrandt and thus, greatest predecessor. You see that implicitly, his exploration of self, in the lighting of Hume’s portrait. and with it the dilemma of the You see it even more explicitly in subject/object division at the heart Ramsay’s companion painting of of empiricism on which Hume was Rousseau, painted to hang beside so eloquent, with Rembrandt’s Hume’s portrait, either as a own exploration of self and his commission from Hume, or as a contemplation of the subject as gift to his friend from the artist; it object. is not clear which. Hume gives In portraits like these, in the way conflicting accounts, but the fact that Ramsay paints, lightly, that he does describe it at one suggestively and never definitely, point as a gift does suggest the but coaxing the image out of the intimacy and significance of the shadows, identity is held in place commission. in our perception only by imagina- In Rousseau’s pose, position and tive hints as the painter seeks a in the way his face is lit against way of describing the uncertainty the darkness, Ramsay quotes of our knowledge, indeed of our directly from Rembrandt’s identity; but Ramsay also sug-

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gests, by this very technique of arranging flowers. His familiar suggestion, how, above all with presence is reflected in her gaze those around us, we overcome which is open and without any that uncertainty through imagina- social barrier visible in it. And in tion. Ramsay’s later, red chalk drawing Here Ramsay also parallels directly, of his wife looking down, appar- and no doubt consciously, one of ently unaware that he is drawing Hume’s key contributions to this her, we also see him contemplat- debate, the argument that it is the ing something else that I am sure imagination alone which allows he had discussed with Hume and us to hold together our fragment- which I will return to, the frag- ed perceptions and turn them into mentary nature of actual sense. It is here therefore that the perception: how little we need to term that has become definitive of see in order to understand what the nature and purpose of art we are seeing; how much we actually enters the language of imagine in fact, and how above all art. But the imagination is also this is true in our response to the more than just a useful tool in human face; how vision itself is making sense of the world. In the psychological. philosophy of moral sense as Here Ramsay is not only working Hume developed it, it is the active alongside Hume, with whom at agent of our moral natures, the just this moment he founded the key to the relationships on which Select Society here in Edinburgh, society hinges; and Enlightenment but also their mutual friend, thought was above all else social Adam Smith. Smith extended in its frame of reference. Hume’s interpretation of moral Human nature was Hume’s study sense to argue that imagination, and it was also Ramsay’s and so and, through imagination, you can see in his painting how sympathy, is the basis of society art is still the peer and companion itself. Gavin Hamilton was a of empirical thought, even at its contemporary of Adam Smith at most penetrating. Ramsay’s Glasgow University and a fellow portrait of Margaret Lindsay is the pupil of Francis Hutcheson, first epitome of this, of the imagina- champion of the philosophy of tion as the link between people, moral sense and so of the argu- the only thing that can resolve ment that morality itself is a that enigma of otherness, the product not of reason, but of agent even of love itself, for that is feeling. what we see in Margaret Lindsay’s The realisation that morality itself face turned towards her husband is psychological, not rational was as he enters, interrupting her the crucial breach in the integrity

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of the idea that empiricism and unspoiled. He did this in a context thus reason could describe, shaped not only by Francis understand and also explain all Hutcheson, but also by Thomas phenomena. We should remem- Blackwell who in his essay on ber that in the essay that set out Homer (1735) pioneered the idea this argument, An Inquiry into the of the imaginative and therefore Origins of our Ideas of Beauty and the moral superiority of the Virtue (1725) Hutcheson already primitive, of the original state, explicitly makes the connection long before Rousseau was to do with art. take up the same discussion. It It is with Gavin Hamilton’s six was consistent with the idea of paintings from the Iliad that we moral sense that Blackwell should see the idea of the role of the see Homer as the recorder of an imagination expressed for the first actual, pre-classical state of time directly in painting. It is mankind when, because the implicit in Ramsay’s work. For human imagination was not yet Hamilton and also his followers, cluttered with preconception and however, its presence in a painting prejudice, humanity enjoyed far was a goal. It was a quality to be greater imaginative freedom and cultivated. And in his pursuit of transparency than in decadent that goal, we encounter another later times. In consequence, he of the definitive ideas of modern argued, there was much greater art: the primacy of the imagina- moral clarity. The beginning of tion. But with it also came too history was a time when, as he put another definitive idea: the it so poetically, “So unaffected superiority of the primitive and its and simple were the manners of appropriateness as a model for those times the folds and wind- artists in search of the kind of ings of the human breast lay open imaginative authenticity that was to the eye; nor were people essential to the proper working of ashamed to avow passions and our moral sense. It is the its claim inclinations, which were entirely to be specially equipped in the void of art and design.” pursuit of that vital authenticity Blackwell’s revolutionary view of which allowed art first to claim the Homer as pre-classical, therefore special privilege which it is still in the proper sense primitive and granted in the modern world. that his poetry was in conse- Hamilton turned to Homer for quence superior and more inspiration because Homer authentic to anything that came seemed to be a witness of the afterwards, is echoed by Adam earliest history of mankind when Ferguson: “The artless song of the human society was young and still savage, the heroic legend of the

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bard have sometimes a magnifi- short of a world governed by true cent beauty which no change of feeling. language can improve and no This, when it is put alongside refinement of the critic reform.” other works by both Hamilton and You can also match this sentiment David which demonstrate his very closely in André Breton’s first considerable debt to the older Surrealist Manifesto, incidentally, painter, gives a quite different in case you think I am imagining meaning to David’s picture from continuities that do not exist. the conventional one of heroic As doyen of the painters in Rome, masculinity heralding the Revolu- Gavin Hamilton was also the tion; a meaning that was also leader of an international commu- retrospectively imposed on nity of artists and both his art and Hamilton’s picture by analogy with his conversation, for he kept an what David’s was believed to open studio, were the vehicle for stand for. For years Hamilton’s the wider transmission of these painting was called the Oath of Enlightenment ideas. His circle Brutus. Art historians demoted included some who are recog- Lucretia, the woman, in favour of nised as the pioneers of modern Brutus, the man, though in fact he art and others who do not yet is not the protagonist, but only an enjoy that recognition. David’s agent in the action inspired by painting of the Oath of the her. Horatii, for instance, is universally The next act in the drama in seen as one of the first icons of David’s picture was the slaughter, modern art, but its model was first of the rival Curatii, and then Gavin Hamilton’s painting of the of the Horatii’s own sister Camilla Death of Lucretia. In that picture who is seen collapsed in despair Lucretia is the heroine. Inspired by with the other women in the her self-sacrifice, her men folk picture. This is not just feminine turned to overthrow the Tarquins weakness. It is real terror. Camilla and establish the Roman Repub- had been rash enough to fall in lic. Progress, moral progress, not love outside the clan. David’s technical progress, but improve- subject is actually a brutal honour ment, the amelioration of society killing. There is no reason to and its progression from the state suppose that he did not intend us of barbarism dominated by the to see it as barbaric. Indeed a masculine warrior code, depended contemporary commented on the on the actions of a woman cruelty of the subject. David’s real undertaken in defence of the point, therefore, is the opposite of virtues of love, hospitality and the meaning usually given and is individual dignity; the virtues in once again the superiority of

94 Prize Lectures

feminine feeling, of intuition, over as also literally primitive, an artistic brutal masculine violence and the witness from the first state of need for feeling to prevail if mankind. These artists had access society is to advance out of to these vases, or at least to the barbarism. south Italian form of this art, But in the work of the Scottish through the collection formed by painters in Hamilton’s circle, the Sir William Hamilton in Naples, modern idea of the primacy of the published with a commentary by a imagination and the place of the rather doubtful connoisseur called primitive as its model were even d’Hancarville, in a magnificent more directly expressed. Alexander series of volumes in the early Runciman’s Origin of Painting 1770s. One particular small vase indeed has the primitive, the decorated with the head of a girl original, the first state as its actual in profile was identified, with subject. Derived from Pliny, great imaginative freedom and a though rather fancifully, it tells the singular disregard for historical story of how the very first painting fact, as the work of Debutades, was created when a girl traced the the Corinthian potter to whose outline of her lover’s shadow on daughter Pliny attributes this the wall as he slept. The shadow is historic action. Runciman models nature’s own drawing, art in its the strange and distinctive profile elemental, natural form. But of the girl in his painting on that continuing the previous point of the girl on this vase. about sensibility, the first artist is Ossian, when first published by also a woman and her hand is James McPherson in the 1760s, guided by Cupid, by love. was also perceived as primitive, a Runciman not only went to Pliny, voice speaking to us from the first however. His actual model was natural condition of mankind. what he and his contemporaries Ossian also the additional cachet perceived as ‘primitive art’ in of belonging to the non-classical exactly the same way as Gauguin, world and specifically to Scot- Matisse and Picasso were to land’s own non-classical past, regard the art of the Pacific and of remembering that the Scots Africa nearly a century and a half piqued themselves on never later. Greek vase painting seemed having been part of the Roma at the time to be an art contempo- empire. In a drawing done in rary with Homer. This was a Rome in 1771 Runciman repre- mistake we now know, but it was sents Ossian and his music as at a reasonable one in the state of one with the wind in the trees. contemporary understanding and Here he is the author of spontane- it allowed these vases to be seen ous, natural poetry. Just as he was

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described by Hugh Blair as country people. In that text, shooting wild and free, as published in 1788 and dedicated Runciman represents him, Ossian to Gavin Hamilton, not only does is already the model of the artist Allan claim to have followed as the embodiment of spontaneity Ramsay’s example and recorded and natural freedom, unfettered the actual places and people by rules, a model that has en- about whom he wrote, and dured to this day. Indeed therefore that his own art is sometimes now it looks as though equally naturalistic, but that his that is all we can look for in our own naturalism also mirrors their artists. Ossian’s music is seen as simplicity, their lack of sophistica- wild and untutored as the tion, their naivety even. He makes waterfall that is associated with the remarkable claim that his own him, the Falls of Bran near Blair command of the new technique Castle painted by Runciman’s of aquatint that he used in his contemporary Charles Steuart. A illustrations manifestly lacks skill, belvedere still stands over the falls but that that lack is a virtue. It was that was designed to capture their not his intention, he says, to natural music as though it was produce expensive smooth Ossian’s song. engravings, but expressive and This part of the story crosses over characteristic designs. In other to more familiar territory when we words he disclaims skill in favour look at Runciman’s contemporary of expression. That is a very in Rome and also in Hamilton’s modern attitude indeed, the circle, David Allan. Allan collabo- deliberate assumption of untu- rated with Burns through George tored naivety. Thomson to illustrate the songs Thus far we have not yet reached that Burns collected and com- the end of the eighteenth century posed. Burns also recognised in in this story, but from Hume and Allan’s work the qualities of the philosophy of moral sense we primitive, unspoiled simplicity that already have in place some of the he found in these songs. Even key ideas of modern art: the more striking, however, in this primacy of the imagination, the quest for the defining concerns of importance of spontaneity, the modernity, indeed of modernism, disregard of rules, of skill even, is Allan’s Preface to his illustra- the imitation of the primitive and tions of the Gentle Shepherd, the cultivation of naivety. These Allan Ramsay’s father’s pastoral are present in the work of these play, famous for the naturalness painters and through them are with which it was held to record also already being transmitted to the lives and loves of unspoiled their continental contemporaries

96 Prize Lectures

and most notably as we have seen in Raeburn’s wonderful portrait of they are reflected in one of the Neil Gow, the greatest fiddle recognised icons of the early player of his age. Gow was history of modern art, David’s untutored. Nominally therefore he Oath of the Horatii. They are also was like Ossian, a naive, natural seen even more directly, in fact, in musician. Raeburn captures that the work of one of David’s pupils brilliantly as he conveys to us how and Ingres’s contemporary, Paul Gow is turned inward to find the Duqueylar. Not only is Ossian the music within himself, it is literally subject of his enormous picture original, and he externalises it for now in Aix en Provence, but us and for the dancers. He is simplicity and even naivety are represented as alone, but he is adopted as a virtue by a painter social too. He is surely not playing who actually called himself for himself, but is leading the Primitive. For Duqueylar seems to dance. He is an epitome of the have been the leader of a shad- artist and I think this is how owy group of David’s pupils who Raeburn wanted us to see, not called themselves Les Primitifs. just Neil Gow, but also himself. He It may seem that in pursuing these identifies himself with Gow. ideas I have strayed from the Raeburn painted directly and epistemological questions with spontaneously. He did not draw or which I began, but I will now prepare for his portraits. He may return by a route that I think have learnt this from Alexander shows how closely these things Runciman too, but more than that are connected. David Allan’s Penny if we look at the detail of how he Wedding is a scene of rustic painted in his double portrait of simplicity. A penny wedding was Sir John and Lady Clerk of Peni- an exercise in cooperative living. It cuik for instance, or his represents a world where property tremendous portrait of Lord is held in common and so is not Newton, we can imagine how he divisive. It is a world recognisably saw an analogy between his direct akin to one that Burns often and vivid brushwork and the bow invokes where the poor are happy of Gow’s fiddle. and carefree and the rich are Gow’s music was strong and miserable, weighed down with simple, never flashy, so is Rae- the cares of possession. burn’s art. But more than that, The key is harmony and that is Raeburn’s approach brings us represented in Allan’s picture by back to those questions of the dance and the musicians who epistemics and the role in them of lead it. The same image appears in intuition, a quality in both Gow’s an apparently very different guise music and Raeburn’s painting.

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Raeburn too is a social artist. He this discussion in a way that again simplifies in order to emulate our had a direct bearing on painting, actual social vision, the way we he described intuition as specifi- read a face intuitively, broadly and cally feminine. Thus Reid joins up without analysis. the ends here to bring intuition After Hume, the key discussion of back into the argument about these questions was in the epistemics, the nature of knowl- philosophy of Thomas Reid. Reid edge. was held to have answered In his new epistemics Reid Hume’s scepticism, his view of the recognised that knowledge must uncertainty of all knowledge, with have a physiological dimension. his philosophy of common sense; There must be a direct medium of with the argument that Hume had exchange between the mind and missed the point; we do not the external world. Thus he understand the world of experi- changed completely our under- ence intellectually, but intuitively. standing of the nature of the Intuition is the key and through mind. But what concerns us first intuition the external world of all here is his explanation of impacts directly on our senses. perception. In this he is also There is no intermediary intellec- radical and his radicalism bears tual stage between experience directly on painting because and knowledge. This is how painting is the analogy that he Raeburn describes the faces of his constantly uses to explain how he sitters. Thus just as Neil Gow is an believes we arrive at our percep- intuitive musician, Raeburn is an tions of the world. He provides a intuitive painter. vivid account of the subjectivity of Indeed all along intuition has vision; how psychological it is; been implicit in this argument. how it is not a mechanical process What we have seen in the work of of transmitters and receivers, but the artists I have been looking at an intuitive process in which we is a search for a way to liberate the select what we need from sensa- imagination from the intellect in tions; how it is a language of order to operate more intuitively signs; how they are incoherent and therefore with a purer moral and meaningless in themselves, understanding. but are the raw material from which the mind constructs You can now see Hamilton’s perceptions. The painter’s position argument about the role of the in this process of selection, he feminine as also about the role of says, is what sets him or her apart. intuition and a century and a half His business is with the signs, later, when Henri Bergson took up with the incoherent sensations on

98 Prize Lectures

which perception is based, not perception as its subject. Nor were what they signify, nor the percep- these ideas abstruse. Philosophy tions themselves. These are the was the dominant discipline, the result of our intuitive interpreta- matter of ordinary conversation. tion of those signs. Reid Hume and Dugald Stewart’s constantly reiterates this distinc- monuments together dominate tion, between the sign and what it Edinburgh still. In the detail of signifies. This is how he puts it: “I Raeburn’s Lord Newton you can cannot therefore entertain the see how the image is made up of hope of being intelligible to the painter’s unmodified record of readers who have not by... the raw material of perception. practice acquired the habit of Ideas have no part in it. We distinguishing the appearance of reconstruct the meaning from the objects to the eye from the painter’s account of his retinal judgement that we form of their sensations just as if they were our colour, distance, magnitude and own. figure. The only profession in life Not only did Reid dismiss ideas wherein it is necessary to make from painting, and they had been that distinction is painting. The its principal justification since the painter hath occasion for an Renaissance, he had by this time abstraction with regard to visible also already located it as a wholly objects somewhat similar to that psychological phenomenon. Far which we here require; and this from resolving the subject/object indeed is the most difficult part of dilemma, he pushed art firmly his art. For it is evident if he could towards the subjective, where it fix the visible appearance of has remained ever since. He has objects without confounding it made it the sum of two subjectivi- with the thing signified by that ties, ours and the painter’s, and appearance, it would be as easy there is no certainty between for him to paint from the life ... as them. This is already recognisably it is to paint from a copy”. the modern position. Surely Raeburn’s art echoes Reid’s Pursuing that, let us stay with that view of how painting works? idea of subjectivity for a moment. There is no question that he was Reid’s epistemics have two sides. familiar with these ideas. He not Perception is the product of the only painted Reid’s portrait, but external world acting directly on he was also a close friend of Reid’s the mind. Expression is its compli- principal interpreter, Dugald ment, the product of the mind Stewart. The first volume of acting directly on the body and so Stewart’s Elements of the Human becoming apparent in the external Mind published in 1804 has world. Expression - facial expres-

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sion and body language - is also natural untutored critic, intuitive if the medium of social exchange. It you will, who clearly warmly is one of the principal means by admires the artist. which we understand each other. In the same year Wilkie painted Society is a psychological con- Pitlessie Fair. It is a rumbustuous struct and its proper working picture, but I only want to dwell depends on such exchanges. on one aspect of it, that it is a Charles Bell was Reid’s interpreter picture of Wilkie’s home village. It here and his investigation of the is local and autobiographical. nature of the nervous system was Again it locates his art in his own a direct response to the question personal experience. What is new formulated by Reid and reiterated about that? Surely that is where by Dugald Stewart: that the we expect painting to find its answer to these epistemological locus? It was not so before this. questions must be physiological. Here it owes something to Burns Bell provided the physiological and to Archibald Alison (as did answer to this question, but the Wordsworth). It is also an idea study of expression was part of that Wilkie passed on to his friend the way he reached it. He himself Constable who thereafter based was trained to draw by David his art on his own countryside and Allan and in 1806 he published his own formative experiences. It his Anatomy of Expression for represents a crucial step towards Artists. Wilkie shared Bell’s the modern position that art is interest and indeed contributed to and only can be a matter of his book. It is a reminder that art personal and inescapably subjec- and science are still proceeding in tive experience. There is no place close partnership at his point in for generalisation. the Enlightenment. These are also ideas that Wilkie In the directness of his portrait of shared with Walter Scott and Mr and Mrs Chlamers-Bethune Scott’s vision of history itself as and their daughter Isabella, you personal, subjective and local had can see already how psychological a European influence. Scott had a Wilkie’s painting is, how vividly, huge reputation in France where through his account of expres- his vision of history had enormous sion, it records his own subjective appeal in the reconstruction of experience of a situation. Indeed the country’s self-image in the he is visibly present in the gaze of decades after the Napoleonic father and daughter; and he did wars. But if Scott’s influence was this in 1804 when he was only important in French painting, he nineteen. In the little girl Isabella, could hardly provide a direct we see also the innocent eye, the model. Wilkie could however and

100 Prize Lectures

he did. Among French painters he place is specific too. The ultimate was equally celebrated. His measure of time is the sun and example helped guide them in the the daylight in the picture sets the vital shift that took place in the time of day. History, however late 1820s and thirties away from grand, takes place under the the primacy of history painting common light of day. Time does towards an informal art based on not differentiate. History has no a subjective, psychological vision special dispensation. It can claim in which, for progressive painters no privilege. at least, the classical genres broke In the picture neither the time nor down. This was discussed explicit- the place so carefully represented ly at the time. Amedée Pichot, for are in fact those of the actual instance, dismissed the official event. The scene is actually taking tradition of academic art as ‘l’art place four days after the battle ministeriel’, favouring instead an had been fought and won. History art that was informal and popular is elusive. This great event has no in which he explicitly recognised permanent presence. Here in this the importance of the example of picture, ostensibly a history the Scots painters. painting, history is already remote The key picture in this process was in time as well as place. It only Wilkie’s painting of the Chelsea exists as narrative and here Wilkie Pensioners reading the Despatch gives us a cheeky double take, for of the Victory of Waterloo. It was of course what he portrays is as well known in its time as literally a narrative, a picture of Guernica was in the twentieth someone reading a story. So much century and was so widely for grand events, this is all that imitated that it is hard to see now history can ever be, an old man just how radical it was. The scene reading a newspaper. There is a is the breaking of the news of similar bit of anti-history in Waterloo with the publication of Bonington’s Quentin Durward at the Gazette Extraordinary on the Liège. His most ambitious picture, morning of 22 June. That date is it was painted when Bonington not the date of the battle and so and Delacroix were sharing a suggests how it is really the studio. Wilkie’s inspiration was subjective dimension of time that behind the picture just as much as is Wilkie’s subject, not the appar- Walter Scott’s. ently objective facts of history. In History dissolves as it happens order to capture the sense of time, into the infinite multiplicity of Wilkie spent a lot of effort getting individual experiences, once the daylight right in his painting. again, all those bundles or It pins down the moment. The collections “of different percep-

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tions which succeed each other knowable. The great have no with an inconceivable rapidity and priority over the small. There is no are in a perpetual flux and grand design. Wilkie takes history, movement.” And so the specific real, actual unfolding history and time and place in Wilkie’s picture then turns history painting on its are extended into the detailed head by gently, but undeniably identification of individuals, who feeding into it all the uncertainties are, nevertheless, not great men and subjectivities that Hume had and women, just ordinary people. recognised will ultimately con- The change in the status of history found any proposal to describe painting that Wilkie achieved the world objectively. shaped the art of the nineteenth Géricault was predisposed to century and this was not only in admire Wilkie because his own true in Britain, but also in France. great painting of The Raft of There the reputation of the Medusa was already directly Chelsea Pensioners began even inspired by Charles Bell. It is in before it was completed. Géricault fact a response to a key passage in saw it when it was still in Wilkie’s Bell’s Anatomy of Expression. studio. He praised the picture in It is only when the enthusiasm of glowing terms, but picked out an artist is strong enough to one particular figure for attention. counteract his repugnance to “I shall mention to you only the scenes in themselves harsh and one figure that seemed the most unpleasant, when he is careful to perfect to me, and whose pose seek all occasions of storing his and expression bring tears to the mind with images of human eye however one might resist. It is passion and suffering, when he the wife of a soldier who, thinking philosophically studies the mind only of her husband, scans the list and affections as well as the body of the dead with an unquiet, and features of man that he can haggard eye ... Your imagination truly deserve the name of a will tell you what her distraught painter. I should otherwise be face expresses”. What he de- inclined to class him with those scribes, at the very centre of the physicians who, being educated painting, is one anonymous to a profession the most interest- woman’s anxiety, her personal, ing, turn aside to grasp individual drama. He was right. emoluments by gaudy accom- This figure above all tells us that plishments rather than by the the narrative can only ever be a severe and unpleasant prosecu- compound of multifarious, tion of science. subjective individual experiences and they are all ultimately un-

102 Prize Lectures

Like Wilkie, Bell had an enormous in his Journal in May 1823 he reputation in France. His first noted: “I decided to paint scenes biographer was Amedée Pichot, from the Massacre at Scio. I go to Scott’s first translator into French, see Cousin tomorrow”. Many and whom I have already quoted years later in 1855, remembering on the subject of ‘l’art ministeriel’. this period in his early life and There is also much more evidence confirming Cousin’s importance than I have time for here of to him, he wrote: “When I left Wilkie’s direct impact on Delac- College, I too wanted to know roix’s art. For the moment it is everything; I thought I was enough to note that the same becoming a philosopher with passage from Bell, quoted above, Cousin”. also inspired Delacroix in the Here is just one example of how Massacre at Chios. So now two close a bearing what Reid wrote more of the icons of the early had on painting. It is a passage on history of modern art are located the subject of aerial perspective, in the exchange between France the quality that is held to be so and Scotland which I have been important in Delacroix’s painting tracing. But that exchange is of the Massacre at Chios, the reflected even more directly in this painting that here he himself picture. It is usually given a special associates with Cousin’s teaching: status in this story because, it is “In an apple tree which stands at held, in it we see for the first time the distance of about twelve feet, a scientific account of aerial covered with flowers, I can perspective, but that brings us perceive the figure and the colour back to Thomas Reid. of the leaves and petals; pieces of In France after the fall of Napole- branches, some larger, others on, like Scott, Reid played a smaller, peeping through the central part in the imaginative and intervals of the leaves - some of intellectual reconstruction of the them enlightened by the sun’s country and was seen as doing so rays, others shaded; and some at the time. He was regarded openings of the sky are perceived almost with reverence and his through the whole. When I philosophy was taught first at the gradually remove from the tree, Sorbonne in 1814 by P. P. Royer the appearance, even to colour, Collard. This teaching was then changes every minute. First the continued by Victor Cousin. In smaller parts, then the larger, are 1818 Delacroix wrote in a letter to gradually confounded and mixed. a friend: ‘I should be very glad too The colours of leaves, petals, if we could once again attend the branches and sky, are gradually opening of Cousin’s course. Then diluted into each other, and the

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colour of the whole becomes and the music of the fiddle player. more and more uniform. This As a painter he even claimed to be change of appearance, corre- untutored and thus himself naive. sponding to the several distances, More than that, like Wilkie, he marks the distance more exactly raises a personal, local (and non- than if the whole object had been metropolitan) iconography to the of one colour”. level of high art. In doing so he So by 1824 to add to the cata- proclaims the primacy of the logue of elements of modernity subjective and intuitive. Indeed, that had already appeared in painting L’Atelier du Peintre, the Scotland and thence in France, we largest self-portrait in history, can now add the overturning of perhaps Courbet is already the academic hierarchy of the suggesting that the only answer genres and the dethroning of to the dilemma of trying to find history painting to replace it with and describe an objective reality is, a personal, intuitive and subjective in spite of Hume, the big ’I am’, vision of the world, but also the naked ego. crucially the appearance in French Courbet’s approach was followed art of a kind of scientific natural- by Manet and the Impressionists, ism, a phrase that was closely but not, I believe, without a echoed in contemporary French further and unexpected interven- accounts of Reid’s philosophy, tion from Scottish epistemics. In described by Royer-Collard as 1842 Cousin, as in effect Minister both scientific and naturalistic. of Education, reformed the But the story does not end there. Baccalauréat making philosophy Perhaps the most celebrated compulsory and in doing so laid moment in the emergence of the down a syllabus which had at its new, modern painting in France heart the writings of Thomas Reid. was the exhibition in 1849 of A student edition was produced Courbet’s great painting, L’Aprés and so, if it was indeed still on the Midi à Ornans. It should be no syllabus, when they were at school surprise now to find that it is a Monet and Manet and all the rest picture that is intimately linked had to read Reid’s discussion of into this story. It is not simply that perception. As we have seen, he Courbet’s composition is based made it extraordinarily vivid and directly on Wilkie’s The Cottar’s relevant to painters. I believe this Saturday Night. But in the picture may be part of the reason why Courbet makes exactly the same there seems to be such a close connection as Raeburn had done affinity between Manet and between the spontaneity and Raeburn for instance. Both also informality of his own painting owed much to Velasquez and it

104 Prize Lectures

may be a coincidence, therefore. an affinity between this kind of Nevertheless it is striking that we description by Reid and what also find at just this moment, Cézanne actually does in his above all with Monet, the emer- painting. gence of a scientific approach to The visible appearance of things the description of perception in in my room varies almost every painting that does match very hour according as the day is clear closely what we read about the or cloudy, as the sun is in the east, processes of perception in Reid: or south or west, and as my eye is how it is the painter’s business to in one part of the room or put down the unmodified another: but I never think of these sensations, leaving the viewer to variations otherwise than as signs reconstruct perceptions from of morning, noon, or night, of a them. clear or a cloudy sky. A book or a This is not the whole story of chair has a different appearance course, but it is a part of it which I to the eye, in every different believe has not been told before distance and position of the body and which seems to locate this of which it’s visible or perspective whole thrilling episode in the appearance is a sign and an history of painting in the much indication. wider story of the history of It is the painter’s job to describe Western thought and the explora- and make sense of all this. The tion of the nature of knowledge. rest of us need not trouble our And so that brings us back to heads with it. But to add into that Cézanne. It may again be coinci- complex the recognition of the dence and it is certainly not simply indivisibility of time from all the cause and effect, but I think his rest of our subjectivity and painting does also fit into this perhaps it does become possible interpretation of events. He to understand Cézanne’s intellec- cultivated a rather illiterate image tual position as shaped, if not of himself, but I was intrigued to directly by Thomas Reid, at least find that at the Lycée in Aix, far by a far longer debate than from being the backward boy sent conventional art history can offer. to do carpentry and to join the art His approach is intuitive, informal class because incapable of more and direct. The image is held literary pursuits, he won all the together by the imagination. prizes. He was a scholar and so as These are all the things that had philosophy was compulsory, entered painting over the last presumably he too may have century and a half, or even longer, studied Thomas Reid. It certainly for it aligns him not only with would seem that there is at least Hume, but with Rembrandt before

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him. The reason why he is rightly the purely subjective, the individu- regarded the father of modern art al will, for its own sake. is perhaps that with him we reach It is no longer a matter of the the watershed, the dividing of the imagination struggling to make streams, or indeed he is a moun- sense of the fragments of experi- tain peak high above the ence. All that is needed is an act watershed. Certainly he looks of will. Picasso made this the both ways. He summarises and starting point for a career of draws to a conclusion so much nearly inexhaustible creativity: the that has gone before and in doing artist as net creator is remade in a so he opens the way to the future. divine image. It was unsustaina- And so, before I conclude, what ble, even by Picasso himself, happened next? Does the appar- however. His own sexual impo- ently radical departure that we see tence was the constant a theme of in the subsequent emergence of his old age. His art was so person- Modernism invalidate this whole al and subjective, the artistic urge argument? Initially at least things and the sexual urge were conflat- continue as before, Cubism in its ed. purest form can be seen as a Nevertheless, in an action that has direct response, not only to been more widely imitated than Cézanne, but also to Bergson’s any other in the century since he account of time and space. You made it, Duchamp demonstrated might also say Bergson himself the power of Nietzche’s idea. Art is began with Reid. An early publica- an exercise of the will. It is simply tion was on Common Sense, Le what you say it is. No doubt it was Bon Sens et les Etudes Classiques. intended to mark the end, the He also certainly set intuition at abandonment of the ambition to the centre of his own philosophy, describe experience that had and indeed the fragmented vision driven the evolution of progres- that Picasso offers us could sive art for three centuries. In spite equally easily illustrate Hume’s of Duchamp you can see the art of account of the fragmentary nature the twentieth century as a search of perception and of the subjec- for new goals and new agendas. tive self at its heart. In this search artists were liberated But it was Nietzsche who cut the by the new freedom. Nevertheless Gordian knot of the empirical the old goals were not abruptly paradox. If we can never resolve abandoned. Surrealism which the question of the indivisibility of proved to be one of the most subject and object in our attempt fertile movements of the mid- to describe experience, then century took its text from the abandon the search and celebrate eighteenth century as I suggested

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earlier. Indeed if you consider Indeed it is their theme. And Freud an empirical scientist, imagination is still the key, a point Surrealism could be seen as a that brings the artists back renewal of an old partnership. It is alongside the scientists. More only in the last few decades that than ever we need them to work Duchamp’s position has become together. On his great sculpture the dominant one, but it is outside the Royal Bank of Scot- nevertheless ultimately sterile. It is land’s offices at the Gyle in little more than an aphorism. Edinburgh, and which appropri- Leading everywhere, it leads ately he called The Wealth of nowhere. It offers no goal. But Nations, Paolozzi has inscribed a happily if you consider our quotation from Einstein that is contemporaries, such as Eduardo effectively a summary of Hume: Paolozzi or Ian Hamilton Finlay, “Knowledge is wonderful, but you see that the attempt to make imagination is even better”. And sense of the world, to find order so the story goes on.” in it for us, is still their inspiration.

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LECTURES Sir Tony Hoare FRS Senior Researcher, Microsoft Research Ltd. 10 November 2003 Grand Challenges for Computing Research

Sir Tony began by stating that the - The verifying compiler tradition of grand challenges has (abandoned in the 1970s) been a spur to accelerated - A championship chess program progress in many branches of (completed) science. He advised that if you want to know whether a chal- - A GO program at professional lenge qualifies for the title standard (too difficult) “Grand”, compare it with some - Literary translation from familiar earlier challenges: English to Russian (failed in the - Prove Fermat’s last theorem 1960s). (accomplished) The success of a Grand Challenge - Put a man on the moon within project is a major milestone in the ten years (accomplished) advancement of scientific knowl- edge or of engineering - Cure cancer within ten years technology or of both. It is (failed in 1970s) celebrated throughout the world, - Map the Human Genome (just not only by the scientific teams accomplished) who have been engaged in the - Map the Human Proteome (too project for many years, but also by difficult for now) the general scientific community and (just as important) by the - Unify the four forces of physics general public. An outstandingly (under investigation) successful recent example has - Hilbert’s programme for been the Human Genome project, mathematical foundations completed earlier this year. This (abandoned in the 1930s) project has been taken as a model by scientists in many other In the relatively short history of disciplines, who have intensified computer science, the following their search for an opportunity to examples may be familiar to the advance their own discipline by specialist: collaborative undertaking of a - Determine whether P is not Grand Challenge on a similar equal to NP (open) scale and duration. - The Turing test (outstanding)

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Computer Scientists in this 1. In vivo <=> In silico: High country, Sir Tony explained, are fidelity reactive modelling of currently engaged in such an development and behaviour in exercise, under the sponsorship of plants and animals (GC1) the recently constituted UK 2. Science for Global Ubiquitous Computing Research Committee. Computing (GC2) The exercise has the support of the Engineering and Physical 3. “Memories for life” – Manag- Sciences Research Council, the ing information over a human British Computer Society, the lifetime (GC3) Institute of Electrical Engineers 4. Scalable Ubiquitous Comput- (both representing the computing ing Systems (GC4) profession) and the Council of 5. The Architecture Of Brain and Heads and Professors of Comput- Mind (GC5) ing (representing the academic research community). There has 6. Dependable systems evolution been general agreement on the (GC6) stringent criteria that would justify 7. Journeys in Non-Classical conferment of the title of a Grand Computation (GC7) Challenge on a project proposal. The exercise was initiated by an Sir Tony informed the audience open call for submission of ideas that “Grand Challenges” would to meet these criteria. They were be the title of a BCS/CPHC discussed at workshop in Novem- Conference in Newcastle in March ber 2002 at the National e-science 2004 and any future Grand Centre in Edinburgh. The ideas Challenge project would be based were classified in seven topic on the scientific judgement of the areas, and in each area, a modera- specialists in the area, as well as tor entrusted with that task has gaining endorsement by the conducted a web discussion: scientific community as a whole.

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Professor Dugald Cameron, OBE Former Director, Glasgow School of Art, and Roddy Galbraith Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Glasgow 20 November 2003 Scotland’s Contribution to Aviation Speakers’ Abstracts Dugald Cameron He carried on after Lilienthal’s Sir George Cayley, a Yorkshire death in 1896 until his own in baronet, is regarded as the father 1899. Recent recreations of his of aeronautics. He made the first flights which were powered by a heavier-than-air flights in in 1849 tri-plane, demonstrated that he and 1853; a boy and Cayley’s was on the right lines. coachman were the reluctant Others took up the challenge: passengers! Preston Watson at Errol, and 2003 was the Centenary of the particularly the Barnwell brothers Wright brothers’ epic flights at at Causewayhead, Stirling. Frank Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on and Harold were successful 17th December 1903 - the first designers and pilots, and Frank ever sustained, controlled, heavier- became the chief designer of the than-air flights. Bristol Aeroplane Company. From its very beginnings more The Royal Air Force was created than a century ago, Scots made, out of the Royal Flying Corps, and are still making, a significant established by the Glaswegian, contribution to the development General Sir David Henderson. He of aviation. The first lighter-than- was also its real ‘father’ - born 1st air flight in the UK took place at at April 1918. Comely Bank, Edinburgh in 1784. “...human kind differs from all Otto Lilienthal, working in other life by its ability to imagine Germany from 1891was the first and create. This is an ability real aviator. His ‘disciple’ was greater than that of analysis by Percy Sinclair Pilcher, an ‘assistant’ science or sensory stimulation by in the Department of Naval art. Not merely because it needs Architecture at the University of both of these to create something Glasgow. Pilcher was the first greater but because in so doing it person to make repeated heavier- provides for our fellow men”. than-air flights in the British Isles, (the Late Lord Baker OBE FRS at Cardross on the Clyde in 1895. FREng)

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“Engineering is often easier to sor B. E. Richards, could once depict than to describe. One again bring stability to the striking thing about engineers - Department and so create the apart from their disenchantment environment for research. Major with the managerial class set new initiatives were started above them and the trivialised through new research groupings, culture which neglects them - is all of which made significant how often they want to draw contributions to aerodynamics things; words not being up to the and flight dynamics. Professor work of describing technical Galbraith took over the reins of reality. ‘Give us a pen’... engineers headship in 1990 and over the would say, ‘it works like this’”. succeeding eleven years made the (Anon.) Department 100% research- Roddy Galbraith active. One of his most significant The lecture details a few of the appointments was that of Dr C. main achievements/contributions McInnes FREng FRSE (now that Glasgow’s Department of Professor), whose work on solar Aerospace Engineering has made sails and autonomous rendezvous over its relatively short history. In will have a long lasting and particular, the outstanding significant effect on the aerospace contributions of Professor W. J. industry. Duncan FRS in the fields of flutter Today the Department has at least and matrices and to the aerospace three internationally-recognised community. After his untimely research groups; in Aerodynam- death in 1960, the Mechan Chair ics, Space-flight Dynamics and was filled by another scholastic Aircraft Flight-dynamics. Whether giant, Professor T. Nonweiler. He or not these can continue and made major contributions to develop in financially stringent hypersonic flight and space times is a matter of debate and so rendezvous, and invented the various future options are provid- Wave Rider. It was to be five long ed. Whatever the outcome, it is years, after Professor Nonweiler’s clear that the best work will only departure in 1975, before the be done by the best scholars; we third holder of the Chair, Profes- must protect them.

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John Taylor Director General, Government Research Councils 9 December 2003 Research policy: the next five years

The end of my three-plus-two year So I am pleased that the Science term as Director General of Budget in 2005/6 will be roughly Research Councils is a good time double what it was in 1997-8, to reflect on what has been and that in the 2002 Spending achieved and what challenges lie Review we achieved a 10% per ahead. annum real terms increase. I am The DGRC is the head of a small also pleased that the UK science office whose main job is to base maintains its very high global oversee the UK’s science budget - ratings for doing world-class £3 billion by 2005/6. This involves science, and that we have the the getting of it from the Treasury; basis of a long term solution to the value-for-money spending of the sustainability of the science it through the Research Councils, base their institutes and UK universi- I am very pleased, too, that we ties; and advice to ministers on all carried through the first Quinqen- aspects of it. From another nial Reviews of all the Research viewpoint, the DGRC’s job is to Councils and have implemented lead strategic change and contin- their recommendations by uous improvement. So, as only the establishing the Research Coun- second incumbent since the post cils UK partnership and the UK was created in 1993, what are the Research Funders’ Forum. I am changes I am most pleased about extraordinarily proud of the over the past five years? Research Council Chief Executives When the Treasury or Select and the way they have stepped up Committees ask me what they and to a path of radical evolution – the taxpayer get for the science commitment to leading the budget investment, I usually hold process of working together three fingers up to them and say: wherever the science needs it, without the huge disruption to - new science science, the nugatory expense and - trained researchers, and the planning blight that moving to a single Research Council - knowledge transfer to the would have involved. economy and society.

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Instead, we have committed to a And so would such major success- route which maintains a very es as the UK e-science important diversity of funding programme, now being emulated between the different Councils. by the US and many others, and Making the Research Councils UK the RCUK Basic Technology partnership work, and work well, programme – run by one Council, will continue to be risky and transparently and on behalf of difficult. But just imagine the UK them all and all their disciplines. basic research scene if we had When I came into this job in taken the other route of having January 1999, amongst the first just one single Research Council. things to cross my desk were The UK has no equivalent to the being Chair of JIF (Joint Infra- US Department of Energy (DoE), structure Fund), Chair of the Department of Defense (DoD), Transparency Review, and respon- Defense Advanced Research sibility for a £500 million project Projects Agency (DARPA), and for a new synchrotron called National Aeronautics and Space Diamond, which had just been Administration (NASA), all of agreed with the Wellcome Trust. which fund basic science along- side the National Science JIF has now lead to new perma- Foundation (NSF) and National nent streams of infrastructure Institutes of Health (NIH). The UK funding for both universities and would have had just one agency Research Council Institutes. The with one chief executive control- Transparency Review has enabled ling virtually all government the TRAC costing methodology to funding for basic research. It be put in place in all UK universi- would have been a bridge too far ties and is the foundation for our in my judgement. move to Full Economic Costing of Research Council grants over the To see the importance of Research next 2 years. And I was particularly Councils UK’s achievements so far, pleased to inaugurate the Dia- just look at the two documents mond Light Source joint venture we have published as part of the company with the Wellcome Trust SR2004 spending review process last year and to perform the – the Synthesis of Strategies and ground-breaking ceremony for the RCUK Vision for Research. the new machine at the Ruther- Their real significance is that they ford Labs. exist at all, as the product of extensive interaction between the In knowledge transfer, all the CEs and their staffs and communi- main metrics are moving seriously ties. Five years ago they would in the right directions, with major have been unthinkable. increases in research base start-

114 Lectures

ups, patents, licensing and Systems. This was a high-risk strategic partnerships with approach, bringing together industry. HEIF 2 (Higher Education leading researchers from the life Innovation Fund) will put in place sciences and the physical sciences further support for knowledge to explore whether it would be transfer, together with major new timely to form new cross discipli- funding for diversity of mission in nary teams to focus on “how the the universities, and the brain really does it”. I am delight- Cambridge-MIT Institute is now ed that the answer was a on course for real innovative resounding “yes”, and there are success. energetic follow-up actions going And we have two more radical on now to make this happen. changes now in place. The Arts & So what challenges do the next Humanities Research Board is five years hold? There is certainly already an integral part of the much still to do to make sure that RCUK partnership and, the the changes we have initiated Education Bill permitting, will really take root and thrive, and become a full member of the OST that new opportunities are seized. (Office of Science and Technology) Firstly, funding. Despite SR2002, family next year. And with the we are still seriously behind our excellent help of the BA (British international competitors in the Association for the Advancement level of publicly-funded research. of Science), we have been able to And we are number one in the move on from the era of COPUS world in research productivity, (Committee for the Public Under- which is just a reflection of the standing of Science) and into that sustainability issue – we have not of Science in Society, which will being paying the full costs of see significant new programmes public funded research. The in place in 2004. SR2002 settlement has put us on Alongside these mainstream a trajectory towards remedying activities, a couple of sidelines this – from 2005/6 onwards we have also gone quite positively. I will be paying more per unit chaired the group which pro- volume for research funded from duced the report on the Science Budget, but nobody Nanotechnology Applications in pretends that these increases will the UK for Lord Sainsbury in 2002, be enough to achieve full sustain- and I am pleased that the DTI has ability. So more funding will be now announced major funding to needed just to achieve sustainabil- support our recommendations. I ity of our current level of research, also lead the first of the new style and more again to increase the Foresight projects, on Cognitive volume of our research to match

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those of our international com- capability for world-leading petitors. innovative contributions in Secondly, there has seldom been a miniaturised robotics. This will more fertile time for new research surely be the right way for opportunities right across the humankind to explore its place in spectrum. In most of these the UK the cosmos, without diverting is very well placed to take leading unacceptable resources from the roles. In the life sciences, there energy and environmental are huge opportunities in the challenges it faces on the home post-genome era in areas such as planet. And since the proper proteomics, systems biology, brain study of mankind is man, the science, and stem cell research, interplay between all these and and major challenges in clinical the social sciences, economics, trials, mental health, ageing, arts and humanities will also offer infectious diseases and exotic unprecedented opportunities for diseases of both humans and fertile new research. animals. The UK could and should contin- We have unprecedented demands ue to make leadership for research on sustainable energy contributions in all of these areas, sources and all the related issues often in international partnerships of global climate change and the such as CERN (European Laborato- environment. The convergence of ry for Particle Phyics), ESA computing, communications, (European Space Agency), ESO electronics and information (European Southern Observatory), technology is leading to the EMBL (European Molecular explosive growth of cyberspace Biology Laboratory) and many and increasing societal depend- others. But the opportunities and ence on cyber-infrastructure. the competition will not wait for us – we must have the confidence Quantum electronics and quan- and the determination to get our tum information processing funding levels back with the promise disruptive new informa- leaders so we do not have to drop tion technologies. And as the behind or opt out. nanotechnologies develop, they also will provide major disruptions Finally, the other crucial issue in almost all forms of manufactur- facing the UK research base over ing. the next few years is the absolute imperative for the UK economy to As Beagle 2 has shown so move rapidly up the value chain. poignantly, there is renewed As low-value-added businesses societal interest in the exploration move overseas to cheaper loca- of space, and the UK has the tions almost as we watch, it is

116 Lectures

essential that business in the UK The overriding common factor in focuses urgently on high-value- very many of the new research added activity and contribution, areas is the need for them to be enabled at least in part by the new pursued by flexible, fleet-of-foot knowledge and know-how research and technology groups generated in the research base. combining a number of different The level of industrial R&D in the disciplines. The same is true in UK is seriously lower than in most knowledge transfer and the of our major competitors. It is also development of high-value-added very patchy, with major fractions businesses. The past five years of the total in just two areas – have shown me that people in the biotech/pharmaceuticals and UK can be extraordinarily good at defence/aerospace. It is vital that this when the culture supports both industry and the UK research and encourages it. I believe that base expand their abilities to work the ability to work across many together to accelerate the growth different boundaries – disciplines, of high-value-added business in problems, markets, organisations, the UK. Implementation of the sectors – could well be the single recommendations of the recent most important competitive Lambert Review and the DTI advantage for the UK in the years (Department of Trade and Indus- to come. try) Innovation Review must be an important priority.

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Professor Danuta Hübner Minister for European Affairs, Government of the Republic of Poland 19 January 2004 Edinburgh Lecture New Europe: World Views

The vast majority of Polish citizens Enlargement does require that have supported accession to the decision-making procedures in European Union over the last ten the Union are improved. We hope years. They feel this way because that the proposals in the draft they are profoundly European and constitution, on which there was a want to be an active part of the large amount of agreement democratic heart of Europe. The amongst Member States at main reasons for our desire to Brussels, can be brought back accede are therefore historical, onto the negotiating table later political and cultural. But we this year for reconsideration. also have strong economic However we should perhaps not reasons. We do the vast majority rush into a new summit without of our trade with the Union and being sure that this time there will we hope that accession will bring be agreement on the package of a new wave to foreign investors to measures. We cannot afford a our country. Financial assistance second failure. through the structural funds is But Poland will bring new policy also important, but is not the emphases into the Union. High overriding motive, as it is some- amongst these priorities will be times portrayed in the foreign the Union’s relations to eastern press, Europe, our direct neighbours. Once in, what sort of member will Other new members will have we be? The evidence is that we their own priorities too – this is will be a constructive and cooper- quite natural and was the case ative member of the Union. The with all previous enlargements. dispute at the recent Brussels However it appears to me ex- summit, leading to an interrup- tremely unlikely that the new tion in negotiations for a new EU member states will in any way Constitution, was the result of a form a block of like interests in series of factors, including a lack the Council. If we could not of time for adequate reflection forge alliances during the negoti- and negotiation. It is too simple ations, I do not see why we to ascribe it to Polish intransi- should be able to do so after gence. accession.

118 Lectures

The Union we are entering will al nation states in Europe working undergo rapid change in the alone cannot meet these challeng- coming years. The most severe es. If they are to surmount them challenges will come from they will have to work together in outside: developments in world a strong European Union in which trade, climate change and the solidarity between its members exhaustion of natural resources, grows from year to year. Poland notably oil, migration, our is ready to play its part in this relations with the USA and Russia, process because we know that the and with the rapidly developing real alternative to European worlds of China and India, and of integration is quite unthinkable. course global terrorism. Individu-

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Professor John Wallace OBE FRSE Principal, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama 2 February 2004 The Value of the Performing Arts: An Illustrated Lecture

Professor Wallace began by either/or - you cannot have one stating that the Performing Arts without the other. are of universal benefit to human For Professor Wallace a nation’s behaviour and to personal and open-mindedness, tolerance and national success. To sustain a responsiveness to the world of healthy economy a nation needs a ideas are shaped by the arts. The healthy culture. Culture is vital for world of ideas is complex – the national identity and a nation’s entry point to the maze of open-mindedness, tolerance, and contrary opinion – where the responsiveness to the world of performing arts excel. Unlike ideas. Turning failure into success politics, the Performing Arts think through performance builds self- the unthinkable and speak the esteem in a non-harmful way. unspeakable - important in Risk-takers thrive. If the concept totalitarian countries. In Western of calculated risk-taking training democracies, the arts ensure the through performance could be free expression of ideas, untainted multiplied nationally, countries by current social and political would perform better. orthodoxies. A strong economy thrives in a Does the value of the Performing deep-rooted culture. Finland, Arts equate to their cost, Professor now the most competitive Wallace asked? The industries economy in the world, with the which spin off from the cultural same population as Scotland, has bedrock spawn considerable 27 symphony orchestras. The economic activity. Scottish Scots need to sustain a balanced consumers spend £330 million culture. Scottish traditional music per annum on musical instru- is resurgent and youthful. Celtic ments, live and recorded music. Connections in Glasgow is the There are over 7,000 full time largest Winter Festival in the world employees in the music industry. to add to the largest Summer A series of reports in the mid-90s Festival in Edinburgh. This valued the British music industry resurgence can be balanced with at £3.6 billion. A successful music the classical orientation of our national companies. It is not

120 Lectures

business flows from a nation’s arts working; improved literacy and policy. numeracy. Added to the extensive In 1974, all political parties in work going on in Youth Theatre, Sweden agreed to a policy on the importance to our social fabric people’s cultural rights - assuming of the performing arts becomes that widespread musical participa- readily apparent. tion would enhance the nation’s Professor Wallace therefore social and cultural fabric. This led concluded that the future Scottish to the systematic creation of economy demands that we come schools of music open to every- up with an integrated cultural one. A recent audit of youth policy to grapple with a digital music in Scotland found surpris- future where all popular culture ing demand for music among the falls within reach of the fingertips. young. Although 60,000 young The Performing Arts need to people take part, 100,000 more contemplate unachievable areas would like the opportunity. On which look with inspiration on this basis the Scottish Executive technology to aid the creation of committed an extra £17.5 million new careers, new industries even. pounds to music in schools. The Music and drama reinvent; they advantages of music participation always have. People always find a include: increased self-confidence, future, and the Performing Arts independence and achievement; will be at the centre of that future. enhanced life skills and team

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Duncan Sooman FICE Regional Engineering Manager, Network Rail 9 February 2004 Institution of Civil Engineers/RSE Joint Lecture Refurbishment of the Forth Bridge

My topic tonight is the Forth The present bridge is, in fact, the Bridge; a ‘Class A’ listed structure, second to be planned and recognised by the Institution of commenced. The first was by Civil Engineers and the American Thomas Bouch, the designer of Society of Engineers as one of the the ill-fated Tay Bridge which engineering wonders of the world collapsed during a severe gale on which has been nominated by the 28 December 1879 resulting in government as a World Heritage the loss of 75 lives. Site. Work on the Forth Bridge was It is, in my opinion, worthy of such halted and the resultant Board of recognition, but I often wonder Trade inquiry recommended that what would be the reaction of wind forces should be taken as town and country planners if such 56lb/sq ft. The original Tay Bridge a design was put forward today? had been designed to 10lb/sq ft. Although tonight’s presentation is Although wind loadings are about current asset stewardship calculated very differently today, of the bridge, a little bit of history the figure correlates well with is necessary to gain an under- modern practice. standing of what we do today and Thomas Bouch was discredited why. and was to die a year later a History tells us that plans to cross broken man. the Firth of Forth have been in New designers were sought for existence for as far back as we the Forth Bridge and John Fowler have records. The Romans and Benjamin Baker were select- considered a bridge of barges and ed. even a tunnel was considered, but At the time there was a real public only ferry crossings came to reality confidence crisis with regard to until the technology developed in large span bridges, so it is worth the late 1800s and the commer- noting one of the considerations cial need made large river estuarial stated by the Board of Trade: bridges a reality. “The bridge should gain the confidence of the public and

122 Lectures

enjoy a reputation of being not identified dimensional accuracy of only the biggest and strongest, but 20mm! also the stiffest bridge in the It was originally painted Persian world”. Red which was a deep red colour, And so it was that the present but by the time of first mainte- bridge was constructed by William nance painting, ultra violet action Arrol for the sum of £1,600,000 had led to the familiar Forth with the contract being let on 21 Bridge Red that we know today. December 1882 and the bridge In modern times the bridge was officially opened on 4 March 1890. owned and maintained by its The scale and prestige of the job in owners, British Rail from national- its day might be comparable to the isation in 1947 until Railtrack was channel tunnel project and used a formed in 1994. new material – steel. During that time it was routinely There is some debate as to what is inspected and repairs and mainte- the first all-steel structure in the nance to the structure were world. Some say that this bridge is. undertaken by direct labour It is certainly the first in Europe and supported by contractors as engineers and others came from all necessary. over the world to work on the Maintenance was generally project. undertaken by riggers (a plentiful Typical of those was Kaichi Watan- supply came from the Royal Navy abe who was a Japanese apprentice at Rosyth) using catwalk accesses to Fowler and Baker and who can and bosun’s chairs, until 1974 be seen demonstrating the bal- when the Health and Safety at anced cantilever principle on the Work Act came into being and model using chairs, broom handles many of the working methods and bricks. were found to be non-conform- The balanced cantilever principle ing. From then on, maintenance represents engineering simplicity to some of the difficult access with all loads being conveyed to areas was compromised. the foundations by tubular com- The fundamental problems with pression members. All lattice public sector financing mitigated girders are tension members. against major refurbishment and The bridge is approx. 1.5miles long, in the last years of BR administra- 370ft high, weighs 51,000 tonnes, tion, spend on the bridge was has circa 8million rivets and during limited. recent surveys the most modern However, all things considered, electronic survey equipment the BR regime adequately main-

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tained the bridge and it was · the bridge is safe in its current handed over in sound structural condition to carry Railtrack’s condition if not in the best present loading appearance. · although the bridge has been During the privatisation era, the allowed to deteriorate, at bridge became the subject of present the structural integrity political debate, culminating in of the bridge is not compro- the Scottish tabloids, through mised. journalistic licence, claiming that · the assessed carrying capacity the bridge was unsafe and that of the bridge in its current steel was falling from the bridge. condition complies with In fact, what was photographed modern standards of safe was a disbonded layer of paint design of bridge structures. with rust on the side. · the existing maintenance Nevertheless, the furore created regime requires improvement if led to HSE (HMRI) interest and the deterioration of the bridge serious public concern that the is to be arrested and potential bridge could fall down! structural problems in the As a consequence of a debate in future are to be avoided”. the House of Commons on 22 The work led to Railtrack embark- February 1995, the HSE was ing on a major refurbishment tasked to: programme comprising: 1. Assess the structural integrity of · Steelwork repairs the bridge · Surface coating 2. Make recommendations regarding the maintenance · Bearing cleaning and lubrica- regime necessary to ensure its tion future integrity · Access improvements 3. Publish a report of the assess- · New 11kv electrical supply ment · New floodlighting The report concluded in 1996 · Millennium countdown sign with a series of recommendations but it is important to note that: Steelwork repairs are generally confined to replacement of steel “From the assessment (comprising and rivets, corroded as a conse- a condition survey, a hazard quence of the elements and sea analysis and a structural analysis) spray and in the past 5 years undertaken, it is HSE’s judgement approximately 50 tonnes of steel that: has been replaced and around

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5000 small repairs carried out. It What then do we expect at or is important to note that these after 20 years? At that time, we repairs can best be described as can expect surface breakdown of repairs prior to painting and are less than 5%, particularly at water not necessary to sustain structural traps, edges, rivet heads etc and stability. the bridge may appear “chalky” The surface coating system due to UV breakdown and wind requires initial blast cleaning of borne abrasion. The treatment various existing coating types (e.g. will be to blast clean and fully lead, bitumen etc) tp tale a zinc- repair the surface breakdown and based primer. This will prevent to wash down, lightly abrade and corrosion and allow suitable areas reapply polyurethane over the to be cleaned and prepared for remainder. In fact, we expect it to coating. This is followed by a be considerably more than 20 Glass flake epoxy intermediate years before this may be necessary. coat (with brush applied stripe The process of steelwork repair coats to edges, rivet heads, etc) and surface coating are linked and a polyurethane gloss topcoat and, simplistically, can be de- to seal the system and provide a scribed thus: gloss finish. · Design access scaffolds It is important that the primer is · Deliver materials to bridge not applied too thickly as this will not provide a “key” for the · Erect scaffolds intermediate coat. Care must be · Inspect steel members taken with stripe coat application · Carry out structural repairs as amine blooms may form a slip plane between the intermediate · Erect shrink wrap encapsula- coat layers leading to disbonding. tion The glass flake epoxy contains tiny · Remove paint, prep surface and glass flakes which overlap and remove provide a barrier to the environ- · Primer ment. However, all main coatings are porous to some extent and · Intermediate coat hence the application of the · Top coat polyurethane gloss not only gives · Local alter scaffold to paint a pleasant appearance, it also contact points seals the surface and sheds water rather like car polish. · Strip scaffold etc The system is tried and tested and It is at this point that painting and has a design life of 20 years. minor structural repairs become a

125 Review of the Session 2003-2004

significant structural engineering use of dryers and humidifiers, and issue. the lost days to weather amount Every scaffold is subject to design, to between 50 and 60 per year. check and Network Rail approval. Materials management is of great These designs are subject to importance and must be under- global loading checks to ensure taken so as not to compromise rail that the bridge is not compro- traffic. And, apart from recent mised by virtue of dead load or weekend closures, all the work wind loading. Typically, there may has been done to facilitate the be up to 4000 tonnes of scaffold normal timetable of around 180 on the bridge with up to 1500 trains per day. tonnes per cantilever. Encapsula- Access for men and materials is, tion acts as a wind sail and wherever possible, on specially previously was designed to fail at built walkways and by Alimak wind speeds of less than 80mph hoists which are at their limit of to relieve wind loading. The operation from the vertical and upper limit of encapsulation was temporary platforms and are built about 1300 square metres. for materials and fed from barges The highest gust experienced has when necessary. been 105mph and damage to Logistics management is therefore that system of encapsulation was crucial to success. proving so problematic that we have moved to stronger and How do we decide where to paint better shrink wrapped encapsula- and when? tion to withstand 100mph wind. Whilst it is pleasing to see the Each area must therefore be bridge painted, the real purpose is designed not just for its wind to protect structural integrity. resistance and serviceability but Therefore, from our previous for its effect on the complete condition surveys, structural structure. The other real benefit is assessment and estimation of rate that it provides a better working of corrosion we can determine environment for blasting and timescales for painting and this is painting. The chances of escape considered along with logistics of blast or paint spray are much and economics to determine the reduced and control of water annual programme. ingress and humidity is much The bridge articulates on a series better. Both are essential for of rocker and slide bearings. quality surface coating. Of equal Many attempts at analysis have importance is the benefit to been undertaken and the various productivity from good quality models are not entirely conclusive encapsulation which facilitates the

126 Lectures

which is not surprising. The policy effect on travel between Fife and therefore has been to clean all Edinburgh would have been bearings, replace lubricators and perhaps unacceptable had we not ensure that the bridge articulates rephrased our work. We were and if it continues to do so as it delighted to be able to co-operate has done for over 100 years then with the road bridge authorities despite analytical models, it to this effect. works! The track is 113lb rail on timber Access improvements are primarily waybeams which replaced the about replacing the old timber special Forth Bridge rail a few catwalks with modern conforming years ago. We are experiencing metal walkways and in recent some minor problems with the years approximately 1000 metres holding down bolt arrangements have been renewed. and are about to trial a new A new 11kv electrical supply has system for installation in 2004 at been installed to service the new a cost of around £100k. floodlights, bridge maintenance The track requires special expan- work and infrastructure services. sion joints to facilitate bridge A millennium countdown sign articulation and regular track was installed and removed at inspection and maintenance must marginal cost. Fortunately it kept continue throughout. good time and was generally well The workforce peaks to 110 in received by the public. summer and since the major We should not forget that the works began, there have been no bridge exists to carry a railway, the serious injuries. ECML to Fife, Dundee and We did experience two fires; a Aberdeen. Line speed is 50mph work bothy heater was left on and for passenger trains and 20mph a diesel generator caught fire. for freight and approximately 180 Both were treated effectively by trains per day are conducted safely the fire services and the emergen- through the work site. Only this cy procedures worked well. year has there been a full bridge Clearly, fire prevention is a major closure necessary to secure access issue. Scaffold boards are treated for painting those members with fire retarders, storage of immediately above track level. paint materials and fuels strictly Weekend closures were planned controlled and special smoking for 2004 but they have been areas designated. deferred a year as the adjacent road bridge will close this summer Current production rates are for carriageway repairs and the approximately 25,000 square

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metres per year of surface coating, Most engineers of my generation plus associated steelwork and will admit to having practised access repairs at an annual cost of open blasting and allowed blast approximately £10 million and material to discharge into the since 1995, c150,000 sqm have atmosphere. Clearly and correctly been painted. This is a considera- we do not practice this way today ble commitment to rail but this is a price that society has infrastructure and the challenge is chosen to pay. to continually seek efficiencies. To As an engineer, I believe the this end, we continually look for structure deserves its recognition new materials and techniques. but clearly if designed today, its We have to date tried high almost total absence of vertical pressure water, industrial paint faces would be avoided so as to strippers, other coating systems, facilitate access from vertical drop e.g. MCU, cleaning, prep and cradles, etc. painting by abseil, as well as I hope tonight’s presentation has investigating use of electro given you all an insight into what magnetic induction to remove is not just the UK’s biggest paint existing paint. Glass reinforced job, but an ongoing serious plastic has been used to support engineering project happening banks of floodlights. However, to every day with little effect on the date we have not managed to travelling public and those who radically alter our spec or method. live in the vicinity of the bridge. This is despite having been audited by countless consultants, For my part, it has been a profes- contractors and specialists from sional privilege and honour to both Europe and USA who believe have been one of a long line of they might offer an improved distinguished civil engineers who package. have worked directly on the bridge. What is the reason for the perceived high cost? The answer Many more will follow me and I is simply modern day expectation hope and trust that they too will for health and safety and the continue to strive to find optimum environment. Temporary access solutions to maintain this truly systems are much more robust remarkable structure for all time. than pre 1974, as are permanent I hope you have enjoyed this talk walkways. as much as I have in its prepara- tion and delivery.

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Lord Melchett Policy Director of the Soil Association 20 Feb 2004 RSE/IoB/ECRR Lecture The Future of Food and Farming

Speaker’s Abstract Farming and food production in farmland wildlife and food quality Western Europe and North and rapidly increasing concern America face unprecedented about the rise of diet related problems. These consist of a illness, particularly among combination of massive children. Does this mark the over-production and dumping on beginning of the end of the world markets of most commodity agricultural system based on crops; public and political concern pesticides and artificial fertilisers about taxpayers subsidies for which has dominated agriculture farmers, dramatic declines in for the last 50 years?

129 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Dr Malcolm Kennedy Consultant, PB Power 1 March 2004 Electicity Supply in the New Century

Dr Kennedy began with a state- Moving away from Britain, Dr ment of the basic principles set Kennedy went on to describe how, down in the 1988 White Paper on following the EU Directive in Electricity Supply, outlining the 1996, liberalisation of the deregulation and privatisation of electricity supply industry the electricity supply industry in throughout Western Europe has both England and Wales and developed, given the diversified separately in Scotland. He went nature of the industry and the on to describe some of the major outlook of the individual states. events that have re-shaped the The crash of the corrupt Enron industry over the past 15 years, Corporation a little over 2 years and the extent to which competi- ago has had effects on the tion and regulation have affected structure of the electricity supply the industry. industry throughout the world to He then explained how mergers an extent perhaps as great as any and acquisitions, and constant Government intervention. disaggregation and consolidation Dr Kennedy concluded with a have characterised a continuously summary of the characteristics and changing industry, as have activities of deregulated electricity repeated interventions by both supply industries around the Government and the regulator. world and the issues facing the These interventions have some- electricity companies themselves, times been tactical but more often the Governments and regulators in pursuit of changing policies. and, of course, the customers. He The most recent major Govern- argued that much has been ment intervention culminated in achieved since the early 1990s, the publication of the Energy nothing has stood still for long White Paper in February 2003. A and there is little evidence that the major cornerstone of this is the number of mistakes being made is Government’s environmental decreasing. The only certainty is policy which sought to produce that there will be an electricity one tenth of Britain’s electricity supply industry in the future, since from renewable sources by 2010. the whole of society is totally This target has subsequently been dependent upon it. increased to 15% by 2015. 130 Lectures

Dr Ian Mays Managing Director - Renewable Energy Systems Ltd 15 March 2004 The Royal Academy of Engineering / RSE Joint Lecture Wind Energy : Powering the Future

Why renewable energy? There and was signed by a hundred or are a number of reasons why we so countries. The European Union are going to need renewable said it would reduce CO2 emis- energy in the future, first and sions between 2008 and 2012, by most compelling at the moment, 8% below 1990 levels. The UK from a political point of view, is was part of that drive, and is to global warming, and how we best reduce its levels by about 12.5% fight global warming. If we look by a combination of measures - at European demand, notwith- energy efficiency, sustainable standing the fact that we are transport, but also renewable trying to put more energy efficien- energy. That is only a small step in cy into the system, energy demand the right direction, as scientists is still growing at 1% per year, so are suggesting that by 2050, we that by 2010 we can expect that will need to cut higher emissions the energy demand will be some by something like 60% in order to 10% above what it was when we stabilise the atmosphere. set the targets. In Europe, the 8% reduction is But, the driver for this is the developing at different rates, increase in CO2 emissions and more or less by way of CO2 global warming in the atmos- reduction. Clearly developing phere. Estimates suggest that economies need more energy and somewhere between 2 and 6 therefore are likely to generate degrees warming will happen over more CO2. The developed the next 100 years unless we do economies can perhaps cut back. something about it. To put it in However, we are not doing context, the difference between particularly well at the moment, in the mean temperature now and 1999 Europe was 3.6% below the middle of the last ice age was 1990 levels. But two years later it only about 2.5 degrees, but only had dropped to 2.3% below in the other direction. You can 1990 levels. EU Commissioner, see this rise in temperatures could Margot Wallstrom, said “The EU is have quite a catastrophic effect. moving further away from To try to fight this, the Kyoto meeting its commitment. Mem- Protocol was brought in in 1997, ber States that are not on track in

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reaching their targets urgently In order to do that, an EU Renew- need to take additional action”. ables Directive was introduced which sets individual country That’s the CO2 side of things, the global warming side of things, targets. These are not obligatory but what about the energy part? targets but they are targets which Taking a step forward to 2050, we countries have to try to meet. If expect the population to have targets are not achieved, then the increased by 50%. On top of Monitoring of Compliance will that developing countries will start to bite. Eventually there will require more energy; maybe be an attempt to harmonise the double the present amount by various support mechanisms for 2050. renewables throughout the EU. Renewable energy will be certified By 2050 we can expect that oil to ensure that what is being sold and gas will be severely con- as renewable energy is actually strained in their supply, coal will renewable, tracing its origin. The then take the burden, and thus planning consents which are will start to deplete rapidly. So holding up a lot of development our energy requirements will need at the moment are to be expedit- to be met by nuclear and renewa- ed, but also another issue - access bles. There is a question mark at to the grid - is also to be given the moment on the acceptability priority. This will be reviewed in of nuclear power, not just in the 2005 and then again in 2010. UK but around the world, which may or may not be resolved - so Where do renewables come from? the extent to which renewables There are a number of different become the primary resource will, renewable technologies, some I think, depend largely on the with moderate resource and some future of nuclear. I do believe that with more significant resource. renewables are likely to be called Those with moderate resource in a upon to meet more energy European context are waste demands by 2050. technologies, geothermal power, hydro and tidal, and those with a What are countries around the more significant resource come world doing? The politicians from Biomass, wind (onshore and recognise the need to be doing offshore), solar and wave. something in Europe. We have now set a target where about Geothermal. This is quite limited 12% of our primary energy in Europe. Iceland has quite a bit, should come from renewables by but it is really limited in terms of 2010. That’s quite a tough target; the expected amount of energy currently it is around 5.3%. that can be extracted.

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Tidal power – in the UK we are it is already doing extremely well. very fortunate. There is a very Wind in Europe is now producing good tidal scheme in the South- 27,000 MW of this. The other ern estuary, which if developed technologies are not moving as could bring 6 or 7% of our power. quickly, so my expectation is that It is quite expensive, and I am sure wind will be called upon to reach it will be developed in due course, a much higher percentage of that however in a European context, target. At 75% that would mean there is limited potential. 135,000 MW of wind. To put this The most significant potential into context in terms of the size of comes from biomass, which is the business that this represents, basically growing crops to burn to it is round about a one million euros per megawatt, so that generate electricity which is CO2 neutral. The issues here really are represents round about 135 in developing a commercial billion euros of business over the mechanism, involving farmers, next 6-7 years. It is quite a big industry and technology. challenge to pull that out and to find cash to do it. Solar power – the technology has been developing quite well, but The countries of Europe generally costs are still very high and I think have a very good wind resource. that will limit its potential until In most countries in Europe, such time as there is a quantum including the UK, the wind leap in the technology and potential is adequate to meet at technological development cost. least 25% of the energy demand. Wave power – there is potential So where have we got to now? here, particularly in the UK, but Around the world, we now have again cost is an issue, at the about 39,000 MW of wind energy moment. In due course, we hope capacity installed and around that costs will be driven down. 75TWh of electricity is produced annually. That is saving around What are the technologies which 60 million tons of CO every year. are likely to be able to meet some 2 of those relatively short-term Around the world, wind now targets to 2010. Essentially there meets the domestic electricity are two – onshore wind and needs of more than 35 million offshore wind, or at least that is people. There are 55,000 wind my perspective. turbines installed, and in the past few years the number of new The EU has set a target of 468 wind energy installations has TWh/yr by 2010. Initially it was passed that of nuclear installa- thought that wind could perhaps tions. produce 25% of that, and actually

133 Review of the Session 2003-2004

So why should we have wind focused people’s attention on the energy in the UK? I believe it is finite nature of energy resources, the most appropriate renewable that people started to refocus on resource for the UK. The British the possibilities of wind energy. Isles have 40% of the European Having been through a process of wind resource blowing over their research and development, during shores, and Scotland has about the 1970s and the 1980s, half of that. So Scotland, I would through one-bladed machines, suggest, is probably the windiest two-bladed machines, and four- country in Europe. Theoretically in bladed machines, and the the UK it is enough to provide different types of rotation, vertical three times our electricity power, axis and horizontal axis, the but not 100% of our electricity design has now basically come supply, because it is intermittent. down to a three-bladed wind So we have a clean, abundant turbine with a horizontal axis. natural energy source; why not Wind energy is an expanding use it? Where have we got to in industry, and it has enormous the UK so far? There are now 83 potential for creating new jobs. wind farms. That’s 1060 turbines, Benefits accrue during construc- with a total capacity of 647 MW, - tion but also afterwards, with enough to produce power for half tourism both at local and national a million homes, and reduce CO 2 level. Wind energy results in more emissions by 1.5m tonnes per jobs per unit of electricity than any year. other method of electricity By 2010, in order to be able to generation. meet the10% target, we expect The offshore wind market has very wind will be producing around different characteristics to the 7% of this. That would mean onshore market. First of all it is 8000 MW of wind split equally important to know that it will be between offshore and onshore. supplementing not replacing We would need onshore around onshore wind; the costs are 3000 wind turbines in total. To higher and we need to ensure put that in context, back in the that we use the resource that we 19th century, there were some have on land, in addition to that 10,000 windmills around the UK offshore. mainland shores, and they were lived with quite happily. Onshore or offshore, I believe we need both in order to meet the UK Wnd energy technology started to Government targets, and I know get moving in the 1950s, but it that offshore plans are likely to wasn’t really until the 1970s, when the energy crisis came and

134 Lectures

only reach 40-50% of the target power is comparable with the for 2010. price of gas generation. However, So what do we need if we are at less windy sites, the cost is going to build a windfarm? What higher and therefore, greater than are the ingredients? First of all we the cheapest conventional power. need land with sufficient winds to Because of that, in order to bring make it economic, we need a wind on we need to have mecha- power purchase agreement with nisms in the market place to someone to buy the power. We enable it to come to the market. need building permission, a grid These can be either an obligation connection, and finance. Land is to buy, a percentage obligation, or available, although there is quite a a tariff mechanism, such as is the lot of competition for it now. case in France and many other Windy land finance is available European countries, and Germany generally, but planning permis- in particular. To that you could sion and grid connection can be add grant-aid if necessary. You difficult and time-consuming, and can have tax incentives as is the the power-purchase agreement is case in the USA, or you can simply a competitive process. Those are rely on consumer preference. the sort of dynamics which we In the UK, onshore wind power have currently in the wind energy now costs around 3.1p KWh; by market in the UK. 2010 we would expect that to The basic constraints for wind come down to about 2.7p KWh. energy are the price of competing Offshore power costs around 5.5p energy sources. Somehow we KWh, hopefully reducing to 4.4p need a mechanism which enables by 2010 and to 3.7p by 2020. these relatively expensive technol- Compare that with the DTI’s view ogies to come forward into on nuclear power costs (about volume production and be able to 3.7p KWh) and you can see that compete. You need to ensure offshore wind should be able to that you can get planning consent be competitive with nuclear, by to build them in order to meet the time that nuclear is able to these targets, but the grid also make a significant contribution in needs to evolve. 2020. Onshore wind is very We have now got to the stage much cheaper. If you take an where the cheapest wind has international view of the costs of been able to compete with the different technologies and project cheapest conventional power, and this up to 2020, gas and onshore that has been demonstrated at a wind should be expectecd to be wind farm not too far from here the cheapest forms of power on the A68, where the price of available, followed by coal and

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nuclear, offshore wind, energy A further issue is planning crops and wave coming in in due Although there is a vocal minority course. which doesn’t like wind energy, Another issue is the grid. At the the vast majority of people on all moment we have a centralised the public attitude studies we grid system. We need to evolve have done are in favour of it, but that and become decentralised, in planning committees don’t like to order to capture the wind wherev- go against a vocal lobby. As a er it exists, so we need to result of that planning can be strengthen the grid in windy difficult. There are moves by the areas. Time scales for grid Government to try to improve the development evolution are a big planning system to enable wind issue, because building new energy to comeback more quickly, power lines takes time. We also but we really need to mobilise the need to be able to manage the silent majority here to make sure fluctuating levels of generation that people’s voices are heard. In which are a feature of wind the landscape modern wind energy. turbines are quiet, despite what some people will say; they are The UK grid system consists graceful in appearance, and mainly of large power stations actually when larger, the rotation and is designed to cope with a speed reduces, because the tip large plant going out of action speed has to remain the same, so and also millions of kettles going when it gets longer the RPO on during the TV adverts. Fluctu- reduces. They rotate relatively ations in the wind have the same slowly and they are safe. sort of effect on the system as variations in demand. Various The vast majority (80%) of people studies have been done, and generally support wind power. In intermittency is really not a Wales in 2002, 3/5 of those problem in the system, until you polled supported a doubling in get up to 10% of your power the number of onshore wind from wind, and then you need to turbines in Wales. Generally start providing back-up plant to what is found is that the closer enable the system to be as reliable people live to a wind farm, the with more wind energy on the more they like it, which is quite system. The estimate from the interesting. DTI is that cost of back-up is So, why wind energy? It is clean, about 0.2p KWh for a 20% has no emissions, produces no contribution from intermittent waste, it is sustainable, it is safe, it generation. Although the level is popular, it has low, reducing will rise once you start to get costs. beyond 20%. 136 Lectures

Dr Barbara Spruce Winner of the 2003 Gannochy Innovation Award Ninewells Hospital, Dundee 22 March 2004 Serendipity and Biology in the Discovery and Delivery of a New Treatment for Cancer

Speaker’s Abstract

Oncology in the 21st century will offer hope for more pragmatic, see cancer patients treated with common approaches to treat- therapies tailored to the individual ment. This lecture will discuss how genetic makeup of their tumours - a blend of ideas, surprises and a vision made possible by the serendipity has brought an sequencing of the human ge- existing class of drug to the nome. The potential power of oncology arena – a drug that genomic and proteomic profiling exploits an Achilles’ heel in many in defining cancer treatment for tumours, causing them to self- the future is very clear. What is destruct whilst sparing normal also becoming clear however is tissues - and look at the hopes that cancer cells, whilst indubita- and challenges for the future. bly genetically complex, share certain key vulnerabilities that

137 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Professor Palmer Newbould Emeritus Professor of Environmental Science, University of Ulster 5 April 2004 Frank Fraser Darling 1903-1979: Ecologist, Conservationist, Prophet

How did a man with no first honour in his own country, and so degree, little academic training he did well to move his focus to and little real serious ecological the United States, with a more research achieve such a high romantic/spiritual approach to status in the international world conservation exemplified by Aldo of conservation? Leopold’s, Sand County Almanac. Firstly Fraser Darling’s personality, And lastly Professor Newbould which Professor Newbould identified Fraser Darling’s holistic described as a mixture of charm approach, combining plant, and authority. Then there was the animal and human ecology, fact Fraser Darling was a naturalist including spiritual and cultural with keen observation and a values and with an initial ap- particular gift for assessing, proach combining behaviour, intuitively, field situations. Fraser genetics and ecology. Darling also possessed special The main problem for Fraser expertise in the areas of ungulates Darling was that he operated in and grazing. Professor Newbould three areas where there was an argued that one does not actually interface if not a conflict between need a strong basis in ecological commercial or establishment research to develop policies and interests and ecological/conserva- management (though Fraser tion interests. These three areas Darling himself would argue were the West Highland Survey, against this). Professor Newbould red deer, grey seals. went on to point to Fraser Professor Newbould concluded Darling’s hands-on farming and that the three key works of Fraser work experience. The fact that Darling are, A Herd of Red Deer, Fraser Darling knew the right West Highland Survey and The people. That Fraser Darling was Reith Lectures. The red deer work an exceptionally good writer, was groundbreaking seventy years making subjects accessible ago and has had a lasting effect without writing “down” to on the study of ungulate, mam- people. Professor Newbould mal and bird populations. West described Fraser Darling as a Highland Survey was also innova- prophet somewhat without tive but was set in a difficult and

138 Lectures

fraught political situation. The “Frank Fraser Darling brought to Reith Lectures, at their time 35 conservation great gifts for years ago, had a major and far- observation and profound reaching influence. In between reflection on ecology, conserva- Fraser Darling often had too many tion and their relation to human projects running at the same time. life and ethics. He lacked, howev- Moving his focus to the States er, a number of more mundane allowed Fraser Darling to work capacities that would have fitted with like-minded people, gave him better to serve as a member him an adequate income and also either of a staff or of a senior supported his roving brief for committee, and his efforts to ecological reconnaissance in adapt to such environments Mexico, Alaska and East Africa, tended to end in mutual frustra- which was what he did best. And tion. Fortunately his value as a The Reith Lectures restored his guru and as a detached assessor status and respect in Britain. of complex problems in the field Professor Newbould went on to was recognised before too late by ask, is that it? Does it end here? the Conservation Foundation in Or do we want an anthology of America, who assigned to him his writing (which would be between 1959 and 1972 the right difficult to choose because there kind of roving commission in is so much good work), a publica- which he did some of his best tion of his lesser known work, crowned near the end by his occasional pieces, a biography, a Reith Lectures on Wilderness and festschrift, or, as has proved so Plenty for the BBC, at exactly the successful for Max Nicholson, a right time, in 1969. I knew him website for thirty years, and had some- (www.maxnicholson.com)? Or times to share his sufferings over should we simply admit that the actual or imagined setbacks, but Frank Fraser Darling fan club is an in the end he came into his own, ageing community and leave and found a receptive audience things as they are? “Currently I for a contribution that was partly am too close to his writings and scientific, partly ethical or philo- my memories to be dispassionate. sophical, and at times even Also his four children should have mystical. He belongs at the far a major say in the outcome.” end of a spectrum that extends all the way from the most practical or Finally Professor Newbould political of conservationists to the wanted to leave the last word to poets and dreamers. Both Max Nicholson, another great extremes are needed even if the guru, who died aged 98 last year, task of getting them to mix can be making him more or less a demanding.” contemporary of Fraser Darling. 139 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Dr Sivaraj Shyam-Sunder Acting Deputy Director, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 21 April 2004 Lessons from the World Trade Center Disaster

Speaker’s abstract

A major scientifically-based study 3) the procedures and practices of the World Trade Center (WTC) that were used in the design, disaster is being conducted by the construction, operation, and National Institute of Standards maintenance of the WTC and Technology (NIST). This study buildings, and is being carried out under the 4) which building and fire codes, mandate of the National Con- standards, and practices struction Safety Team Act of 2002, warrant revision. which authorizes NIST to investi- gate major U.S. building failures. The NIST response to the WTC The purpose of such investiga- tragedy also includes: a multi-year tions is to establish the technical research and development causes of building failures and program to provide a technical evaluate the technical aspects of foundation for improvements; emergency response and evacua- and a dissemination and technical tion procedures. Since NIST is not assistance program to engage a regulatory agency and does not industry leaders and organizations issue building standards or codes, in implementing recommended the institute is viewed as a neutral changes to practice, standards, investigator. and codes. The primary objectives of the 24- Dr Shyam-Sunder described the month building and fire safety NIST response plan with an investigation are to determine - emphasis on the scope and status of the WTC investigation itself, 1) why and how the WTC build- and how it seeks to make all ings collapsed after the initial buildings safer for occupants and impact of the airplane, first responders. 2) why the injuries and fatalities were so low or high depending on location,

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Professor Sir Michael Berry, FRS, FRSE University of Bristol 26 April 2004 Focussing in the Sky Cormack Bequest Lecture

Introduction “Although I was rising physics gradient, and one or honoured when John Brown two formulas illustrating a new approached me to give this idea. lecture, I felt awkward about The general strategy will be to accepting, because I’m not an start from Earth and move astronomer. Therefore I feel the outwards.” need to start by declaring my interest.. Most scientists - espe- Topics covered. (In the lecture, cially astronomers - use light to these were illustrated with see things. Light from all regions photographs and computer of the spectrum streams down simulations, and passages from from the sky –- sometimes a flood literature showing how novelists of rays, abundantly informative, or poets observed the same sometimes a trickle of photons, phenomena). precious conveyors of subtle - Sparkling of the Sun on the sea. information. Getting this informa- Each brilliant point is a reflec- tion is not my main interest. tion of the sun. Over time, the Rather, I’m an enthusiast of light points appear or disappear in itself, and the natural phenomena pairs. Each such event (‘twinkle’) and observations I’ll show you corresponds to passage tonight are interesting to me through the eye of a caustic, because they provide opportuni- that is, a moving surface of ties for light to display all focused light. Caustics play a possibilities allowed by the laws central role in the lecture. The of optics – to express the physics rapid succession of twinkles, of light. usually too fast to follow Although this lecture comes at the individually, causes the spar- end of a meeting primarily for kling. astronomers, it is a public lecture, - Raindrop caustics. When out in so technicalities are not appropri- the rain at night wearing ate, and there will hardly be any. glasses, caustics to be seen in But I can’t ignore the fact that the weirdly-distorted images of there are professionals here, and distant lights. The distortions at the very end there will be a

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are caused by refraction in - Rainbows. These are caustics in irregular water-droplet ‘lenses sunlight reflected and refracted on the lenses’. by raindrops. Each drop bends - Swimming-pool caustics. sunlight into a tiny bright cone, Sunlight is refracted by waves and we see, brightly lit, all the on a swimming-pool into drops on whose cones our eyes caustic surfaces in the water, lie. visible as bright dancing lines - The green flash. Sunlight is bent where they intersect the by the earth’s atmosphere, bottom. which acts as a giant lens. Air is - Twinkling stars. The turbulent dispersive, so the lens has atmosphere generates the chromatic aberration (colour equivalent of swimming-pool distortion). This makes the red caustics in starlight. Refraction sun set before the green sun, by air is weak, so the multiple which is briefly visible as a images are too close to see with momentary gleam at the the unaided eye, but caustics moment of sunset, if the air is crossing the eye cause stars’ still enough. intensity to fluctuate. With large - Eclipses of the Moon. The Earth- telescopes, starlight caustics can atmosphere lens focusses light be seen directly, by looking at a near the Moon, giving some bright twinkling star near the illumination when the Moon horizon under high magnifica- moves into the Earth’s shadow. tion and then defocussing. This reddish light reveals the - Catastrophe theory. The strange integrated sunrises and sunsets curved and cusped shapes of on the Earth at the same time. caustic are classified by the - Mars caustic. On 8 April 1976, mathematics of catastrophe Mars eclipsed the star epsilon theory. The classification Geminorum, and the diminu- restricts the shapes that can tion of its light (lasting about 6 occur naturally (that is, in the minutes) was observed on Earth absence of symmetry). This by an airborne observatory. enables certain apparent forms Mars’s atmosphere focusses in swimming-pool caustic some of the starlight onto a patterns to be unmasked as line, observed on Earth as a artefacts of poor resolution. The bright flash during the eclipse. fully-resolved forms can be The fact that the Mars lens is predicted by the mathematics ellipsoidal rather than spherical and then seen in careful implies that according to experiments. catastrophe theory the symme-

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try is broken and the central line index that varies with the is really a four-cusped caustic; gravitational potential. This this fine detail was seen in the causes light from distant central flash (lasting about 2 astronomical objects to be seconds). distorted by the gravity of - Caustic-touching theorem. In intervening objects, giving rise the images of extended objects, to the analogues of multiply- rather than individual points, reflected sun images on water. the boundaries are distorted. On finer scales, there are An example is the wiggly unresolved multiple images reflections of ships’ masts in (‘microlensing’), detectable as wavy water. The images are spikes in the object’s intensity disrupted as well as distorted, in over time – the analogue of the sense that individual twinkling starlight. boundary curves are broken up - Wave effects near caustics. Focal into several distinct curves lines and surfaces are decorated (topology change). Disruption by patterns of wave interference can be understood by consider- that are also classified by ing false light, imagined as catastrophe theory. These wave emerging from the eye. The phenomena have not yet been false light is focussed onto seen in gravitational lensing, caustic surfaces near the distant but estimates predict effects on object. When the caustic of the a variety of scales, largest near false light touches the boundary caustics. Unlike geometric of the object, the image in the gravitational lensing, interfer- true light is being disrupted. ence depends on frequency and - Gravitational lensing. According so might be detected as spectral to general relativity, mass bends distortions of gravitationally- light, giving space a refractive lensed objects.

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Professor Steve McLaughlin FRSE Professor of Electronic Communication Systems, Institute of Digital Communications, The University of Edinburgh 10 May 2004 Broadband Access Technologies: Reality and Myth

Professor McLaughlin opened his Professor McLaughlin then ex- lecture with the statement that as plored some of the myths that have the demand for multimedia grown around the Internet, for services grows, so also does the example: demand for greater and greater - you can never have too much bandwidth to service this. This bandwidth places an increasing load on the access infrastructure and has led - internet traffic is doubling every to a proliferation of access three months technologies. He explained that - everyone needs more band- his aim was to explore the width because of the new killer technological and economic applications! factors influencing the develop- and explained why these are in fact ment and deployment of access myths. technologies on offer. He then aimed to discuss what is the He then turned his attention to the reality of broadband access and types of broadband technologies what is myth, focusing on the key that are available and how they are access technologies: Broadband developing. In particular: Fixed Wireless Access and Digital - fibre optics Subscriber Line. - fibre to the home? Next Professor McLaughlin put forward a definition of broadband - DSL/cable modems as a transmission facility having a - data rates cost, etc. bandwidth sufficient to carry - wireless ‘multiple’ voice, video or data channels simultaneously. Each - IEEE802.11 channel occupies (is modulated - mobile to) a different frequency band- width on the transmission - 3G and beyond medium and is demodulated to its Professor McLaughlin pointed out original frequency at the receiving that for the past twenty-five years end. researchers have been talking about delivering fibre to the home.

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Currently connection costs to - Fast/reliable broadband radios premises are $1500 for fibre and (PHY/MAC) with QoS ~ 100 $200 for copper DSL (assuming Kbps à1-10 Mbps with adap- large-scale deployments)! The key tively, link reliability & QoS point to these is that fibre to the - Scalable system capacity for home is and has been a long-term mass-market services high goal but in the near and medium service penetration implies term DSL, Wi-Fi and developments ~Gbps/Sq-Km thereof will be the main delivery mechanism for broadband - Integration of multiple radios services to the home. into single IP network, unified mobility architecture, “open” Finally Professor McLaughlin networks with modular services looked to the future and dis- cussed how all the different - New networking modes, e.g. broadband technologies operate. multicast, multihop & peer-to- Although 3G is an important first peer lower-cost infrastructure, step, heargued, several basic networks that grow organically issues still need to be addressed - Truly useful mobile information for next generation wireless services beyond web browsing systems: on phones/PDAs, new portable devices

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Frances Cairncross Rector, Exeter College, Oxford 3 June 2004 The Coming Century – Ten Trends to Back

Educated at Oxford and Brown Ageing: Life expectancy has Universities, Frances Cairncross increased markedly since 1970, in held a number of posts in journal- some countries by up to twenty ism, including that of Principal years. The current century may be Economic Columnist on The recognised as the ‘Centenarians Guardian, before joining The Century’. The consequent Economist. She chairs the implications for pension funds are Economic and Social Science enormous, the only remedies Research Council and is a regular being that people work longer or presenter of the BBC Radio 4 pay higher taxes or both. Frances Analysis programme. predicted a growing tension In a dynamic and enthralling between young and old in this lecture, Frances highlighted the respect. issues facing all of us in the Immigration: This offered coming century. possibilities as a solution, there Population Growth/Reduction: being significant population The fertility rate in most Western growth in the poorer parts of the countries is below that required world, particularly in Asia and for maintenance of current Oceania. The population in the numbers, with the United States Muslim areas of the world was being an exception due to its high also increasing but religious Hispanic population. China, differences, for example in Korea, Iran, Turkey and Brazil were Europe, might create tensions. among the countries with signifi- This was less of a problem in the cant population growth. USA, which in any case is main- Complicating factors included the taining population numbers. presence or absence of significant Resource Shortage: Energy disease, for example in Botswana consumption, whether of the population is decreasing by oil, natural gas or coal products, is 0.7% per year. In the absence of rising steadily in many countries AIDS, however, the growth would and particularly so in the United have been some 2% per year. States. On the other hand, that derived from nuclear sources,

146 Lectures

hydropower and other renewa- Shaping Ourselves: Society now bles, is much more stable. Frances has available a number of ‘life- raised the question of the world style’ medications, for example, oil supply, the reserves of which Ritalin to reduce behavioural are falling steadily, but are problems in children and Viagra sufficient to last for many dec- to extend sexual activity in men, ades. Most of the reserves are to with the latter giving rise to the be found in the Middle East and prospect of ‘grandfather’ father- continuing difficulties over supply hood. Cosmetic surgery, together and pricing are likely. Rising with advances in DNA technology, demands for water are another offered the possibility of ‘Designer problem, with some 70% of the People’. use worldwide being for agricul- Religion: In a number of coun- tural irrigation. tries there has recently been a very Price Stability: Frances made the significant increase in church point that high inflation was not a membership and attendance, in natural state of affairs, with particular in the United States, historically the most significant where the rise in the number of examples of it occurring in the evangelical and born-again second half of the 16th and 20th Christians has been dramatic. In centuries, when in both instances the Muslim world there has been incidentally the throne was a huge increase in fundamental- occupied by a Queen Elizabeth. ism. Currently we are in a price-stable Smaller Government: Frances period with commodity prices argued that government is a falling. The prices of goods were service industry which has not, but also falling due to increased ought to have been, improved by productivity, while service costs technology. The growing popula- remained relatively flat. tion of the elderly was, however, a Technological Change: Frances problem for government in all saw this as one of the greatest developed countries, with tax rise contributors to social change and implications and constraints on highlighted, for example, the other government activities. impact of the pill, the motor car New Superpower: Frances and the cell phone and satellite predicted that the USA, with 30% technology in particular. She of global GDP, 75% of the world’s raised the issue of world food Nobel Laureates, the world’s requirements and whether a wealthiest universities and a second agricultural revolution rising, not falling population based on transgenic crops would would remain powerful within the come about.

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foreseeable future. The predic- Finally, Frances identified five tions were, however, that the major worries: the growth of economies of China and India terrorism; the occurrence of new would increase to match or diseases, for example SARS; the overtake that of the USA over the possibility of deflation; the next 50 years. problem of environmental deterioration; and the failure to reduce the poverty gap.

148 Lectures

Professor Hew Strachan FRSE Chichele Professor of the History of War, University of Oxford, and Fellow of All Souls College 14 June 2004 The Entente Cordiale: War and Empire

First published April 2004, in the Journal of the Royal United Services Institute and Defense Nationale

Britain and France are neighbours. ic growth, military capacity, and Like England and Scotland, they intellectual influence. After 1789, cannot avoid having a relation- its industrialisation faltered, its ship. For most of the last governments proved shaky, and thousand years it has been one of revolution became a habit. The hostility. Indeed, antagonism Napoleonic wars consolidated towards England was what kept Britain’s perception of its own the Auld Alliance between France worth, as a naval power certainly and Scotland. After the union of and even as a military one. From England and Scotland, it was the their arrival in Waterloo station to differences between the new their visit to the National Gallery nation and France that gave in Trafalgar Square, French visitors Britain an identity. Nationality was to London cannot avoid the rooted in a sense of the other. “It symbols of British triumphalism is the same with nations as with under the late Hanoverians. the individual”; wrote the great Britain had ample cause for historian of France, Jules Michelet smugness. The first industrialised in 1833, “he gets to know and nation in the world, it managed to defines his personality through achieve political stability without resistance to what is different revolution. In 1854 Britain fought 1 from himself”. Britain was alongside France against Russia in Protestant (despite the best the Crimean War, but it continued endeavours of the Jacobites); it to use the threat of France as its had a constitutional government; antidote to complacency. Three and it rejected monarchical times, in 1846-7, 1851-2 and despotism. 1859-60, it convinced itself – or at In the nineteenth century British least did its best to do so – that self-satisfaction increased. Under the French intended to invade. Louis XIV France had been the The defeat by Prussia in 1870 most powerful player in Europe in should have confirmed France’s terms of population size, econom- faltering status. But Britain still

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needed its neighbour in order to meant to master the course of the define itself. In 1888 those Nile. Théophile Delcassé, France’s anxious about the state of British Foreign Minister and the architect national defences suggested that of the Entente Cordiale, wanted the self-serving careerism of an agreement with Britain less for General Georges Boulanger its own sake and more to secure a pointed once again to the threat free hand for French colonialism. of invasion. Boulanger had little In 1904, the two powers agreed following in France, even in the to a demarcation. Britain would army, and his coup culminated in control the eastern end of North ignominy. But ten years later, in Africa, and hence the route to 1898 at Fashoda, Captain Jean- India; France would have the Baptiste Marchand and Sir Herbert western end, from Tunisia, Kitchener disputed control of the through its pivot, Algeria, and on headwaters of the Nile. Once to Morocco. “In a word”, the again their two countries looked French Ambassador in London, to their coastal defences. Anglo- Paul Cambon, declared, “we give French enmity seemed to be a you Egypt in exchange for Moroc- given of international relations. co”.2 If Delcassé harboured wider One of the more surprising ambitions, including the possibili- outcomes of the nineteenth ty of a stronger hand in relation to century was that there was no war Germany, these were not shared between Britain and France after across the Channel. Lord 1815. It corroborates the truism Lansdowne, the British Foreign that arms races do not invariably Secretary, was keen to improve cause conflict – and indeed that relations with Berlin. they might even deter it. The Germans did not see the The paradox of the Entente Entente as about North Africa – or Cordiale of 1904 was that it did any other of the agreement’s not arise from geographical global concerns, from Siam to the proximity. It was the product of particularly vexed question of the the Fashoda crisis rather than of rights of Bretons to fish off cross-Channel tensions. The Newfoundland. For Germany the confrontation of 1898 highlight- Entente was driven by European ed Britain and France’s imperial concerns, not colonial ones. They rivalries, especially in North Africa. concluded that the alliance was The French had built the Suez directed at them, and that, given Canal, but after 1882 Britain centuries of Anglo-French rivalry, it controlled both it and Egypt. was friable. Morocco’s independ- Kitchener had made clear to ence had been guaranteed by the Marchand that the British also Madrid convention of 1880.

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Germany resolved to stop Delcas- worked. The Entente did not sé and so expose the slender collapse under German pressure. foundations on which the Entente Instead it was strengthened. The rested. Entente Cordiale was not a On 31 March 1905 the Kaiser product of the rise of Germany, landed at Tangiers and an- but the Moroccan crisis of 1905 nounced his support of Moroccan ensured that German antagonism independence. He hoped to became its raison d’ être. Moreo- break the Anglo-French under- ver, Germany had made clear that standing. A conference was colonial rivalries could not be convened at Algeçiras to consider treated separately from European. the Moroccan question, but The Entente had been recast. Britain’s response to Germany was Its principal function became to show its support for France, not burden sharing in defence, and its to back off. Sir Edward Grey, who outstanding manifestation the succeeded Lansdowne as Foreign Anglo-French naval agreement of Secretary when the Liberals 1912. In July 1911 Germany once formed a government at the end again challenged France in of the same year, secretly asked Morocco, and once again revealed the War Office to initiate staff that the Entente drew its identity conversations with the French. For from adversity. The British the French army staff talks could minister whom the French saw as only be about the most obvious the least reliable on defence, the military threat. Britain might have Chancellor of the Exchequer, been France’s oldest enemy, but David Lloyd George, spoke in the sea made a more logical ringing terms of Britain’s commit- demarcation of the frontier to the ment to security in Europe. When north-west than did the Moselle Delcassé was recalled to govern- to the east, particularly as the lost ment as Naval Minister in March provinces of Alsace-Lorraine lay 1911, he was appalled to discover beyond it. France did not go to that there were no naval talks war in 1914 to recover Alsace- comparable with the staff conver- Lorraine or to advance its eastern sations conducted by the two frontier to the Rhine, but its army armies. By allocating responsibili- knew that, if there were to be war, ty for the security of the Germany was its most likely Mediterranean to France, the opponent. For the British, the Anglo-French naval agreement of staff talks were a diplomatic 1912 followed the logic which signal. They were not an indica- had underpinned the original tion of strategic intent and they Entente. It gave France suzerainty were not sustained, but they in the western Mediterranean,

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between Marseilles and North fearful of the left, could not give Africa, and it confirmed what the the commitment Cambon wanted. British Admiralty was already “E. Grey had an interview with doing, withdrawing its battleships him this afternoon which he told to the North Sea to focus on me was rather painful”, the Prime Germany. The security of France’s Minister, Herbert Asquith wrote to northern coast now lay largely in his girlfriend, Venetia Stanley, on British hands, and the two navies 31 July. “He had of course to tell adopted a joint naval code to Cambon (for we are under no prove it. obligation) that we could give no 4 The French could be forgiven for pledges”. But Cambon reck- thinking that an Anglo-French oned that Britain was pledged, at alliance was a done deal. Edward the very least, to protect France’s VII, who had knelt before the channel coast. Both Grey and tomb of Napoleon at his mother’s Asquith were inclined to acknowl- behest when a child in 1855, edge the force of his argument. displayed that love of Paris and of In the end Britain stood by France French culture common to all in August 1914, but it did not do civilised Britons. He died in 1910, so because of any obligation and George V seemed less entered into by its general staff. committed and more discreet. But The Director of Military Opera- his diplomats spoke the French tions, Henry Wilson, was a great language fluently, and the Foreign lover of France, and like many of Office’s head, Sir Edward Grey, his fellow nationals, then and reassured Cambon on 22 Novem- since, spent his holidays there. ber 1912 that, “if either But the argument that he present- Government had grave reason to ed to the Committee of Imperial expect an unprovoked attack by a Defence when it met on 23 third Power, or something that August 1911 during the second threatened the general peace, it Moroccan crisis – that six British should immediately discuss with divisions could swing the balance the other, whether both Govern- if the Germans invaded France – ments should act together to was specious. Privately he admit- prevent aggression and to ted (with remarkable accuracy) preserve peace, and if so what they would be, “fifty too few”.5 measures they would be prepared In the event Britain sent only five to take in common”.3 in August 1914, while the French At the end of July 1914, the two massed 82. Moreover, on 5 powers confronted just such a August, with Britain now at war, crisis. But the British Cabinet, the possibility of sending even anxious about its own unity, and this paltry total not to reinforce

152 Lectures

the French left wing, but to hune, Bapaume, the Somme – not Antwerp to help Belgium, was of Britain. No poilus fought and given a full and considered airing. died on British soil; the flow of If burden sharing embodied a men was in one direction. The defence commitment, it was at sea First World War was a form of and not on land. tourism. British soldiers went The First World War proved to be abroad in numbers and for both the making of the Entente lengths of time which few of their Cordiale and its finest hour. Like class had done before. They nations, alliances need to be served amidst the slag heaps of forged in war to acquire an the north-east: they did not see identity. The significance of 11 the best of France. To the south, November as a day of remem- Picardy was more attractive. Its brance is greater in Britain and devastation made many realise, France than elsewhere. Those with relief, the value to their own other nations for whom the war landscape of fighting on foreign also ended on that day focus their soil. However, in the eyes of many commemoration on different French farmers the Boche were events: Australia and New Zealand not the only ones to blame for the prefer to remember the Gallipoli damage. Troops, their training landings, and Belgium the and their transport, trampled moment of national awakening crops and reduced pasture to when the Germans presented mud. Officers who persisted in their ultimatum on 1 August hunting and shooting evoked 1914. Both Britain and France outcries comparable with the suffered greater losses in this war cahiers des doléances compiled by than they did in the Second. For the Estates General in 1789. But Germany, as for the United States peasants made profits in other and Russia, the memory of the ways, setting up estaminets and Second World War must always introducing Tommies to new cast a longer, as well as more pleasures, including vin blanc and, immediate, shadow. The land- with lasting effects on the British scapes of Britain and France now diet, pommes frites. have at least one common feature British soldiers and French civilians – they are dotted with war gave the Entente life. Formally as memorials, in villages and towns, well as informally, the alliance was in squares and parks. cemented faster at the economic There is however a significant level than at the military. In difference in these memorials. February 1915 Britain, France and The battles they list are the place Russia met at Calais to discuss names of France – Albert, Bét- both the procurement of muni-

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tions and its funding. The initial about the other should not be pressures to cooperate were exaggerated. Douglas Haig may financial – to ensure that the allies have huffed and puffed but, until did not force up prices in neutral they developed a mass army in markets by bidding against each 1916, the British were unequivo- other, and to keep the dollar/ cally the junior partners in a sterling exchange rate sufficiently military sense. The plans for the steady given the allies’ need to battle of the Somme were predi- borrow on overseas exchanges. cated on this assumption, even if But France’s Minister of Com- the effects of Verdun meant that merce, Etienne Clémentel, was in the event the British took the looking to create a post-war order main burden. Haig’s fury when he that drew on the wartime experi- was subordinated to the com- ence of a managed economy both mand of the French to ensure a rational allocation of Commander-in-Chief, Robert resources and to marginalise Nivelle, in February 1917, was German competition. His hopes directed less at Nivelle himself were spurred first by the needs of than at Lloyd George, now Prime the allied blockade and then by Minister, who had manoeuvred Germany’s declaration of unre- him into this position. The failure stricted U-boat war in February of Nivelle’s offensive on the 1917. Shipping losses forced the Chemin des Dames in April and allies to allocate tonnage centrally the subsequent mutinies in the through an Allied Shipping French army gave the British army Executive. From this flowed the an equivalence by mid-1917 that coordinated management of it had lacked previously. But even wheat, meat and fats, oil seeds, now, although possessed of an and sugar. Although in the first army of comparable size, Britain’s instance the adoption of rational, section of the western front was supra-national management tools half the length of that held by the was pragmatic, in due course they French. became an article of faith for one Foch, as allied Commander-in- of Clémentel’s brightest subordi- Chief, in 1918 achieved a victory nates, Jean Monnet. whose speed surprised even him, The Entente grew organically, congenital optimist though he from the bottom up. It therefore was. The French army enjoyed a had more substance earlier in the popularity in Britain that would war than the appointment in late have amazed Wellington or March 1918 of a supreme allied Napoleon. In 1924, a schoolmas- military commander suggested. ter in India, P. C. Wren, published The complaints of one nation a boys’ adventure story, Beau

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Geste, which went through thirty- understand) France’s preoccupa- one impressions by 1927. The tion with the Maghreb. But portrait of Wren himself – or what Britain did see the Middle East as purported to be Wren, repro- the outer bulwark for the defence duced opposite the title page, of India. In 1916 competition with the crown of a British major between the two powers caused on his shoulder-strap and a row of Mark Sykes and Georges Picot to medal ribbons across his chest - divide Syria and Palestine, with suggested that here was a military consequences which still plague hero, who, like the improbably- that part of the world. But the named Major Henri de Beaujolais deal did not prevent Britain of the Spahis in Beau Geste, knew endeavouring to steal a march on a thing or two about soldiering. the ground as the Ottoman In reality Wren’s wartime service Empire collapsed in 1918. In Iraq, had lasted less than a year and the British pushed on Mosul to had been passed in the Indian secure its oil supplies, and further army reserve of officers. In Beau west Allenby’s army reached out Geste, middle-class English boys, for Damascus. The fact that the who before the war would have Turks signed an armistice with been guided by the pen of G. A. Britain alone, aboard a British Henty either to serve the British warship, and without French empire in one of its remoter representation, seemed to confirm quarters or even to fight the that Britain was anxious to keep French in the Peninsula or at France out of Syria. Waterloo, join the French Foreign “Within an hour of the armistice”, Legion. And they become loyal Clemenceau claimed he had said soldiers of the Republic, despite to Lloyd George in 1918, “I had sadistic sergeants and brutal the impression that you had discipline. They defend Fort become once again the enemies Zinderneuf against the Touareg, of France”.6 The issue which with the tricolour (called the ‘Flag’, divided them was not so much with a capital ‘F’, in the book) their colonial claims as their view flying to the end. of European security. For Britain, Such harmony was less evident in the relationship with France was reality. Once the First World War designed to neutralise Germany was over, France’s colonial ambi- as it faced west; for France, tions reopened the tensions with Germany could only be countered Britain which the Entente had by attention to its eastern frontier been designed to obviate. as well. France could never believe Admittedly nobody in London was that Britain was serious about inclined to quarrel with (or even defending the Versailles Settle-

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ment when it did not have convention brokered at the conscription. A mass army was campaign’s conclusion. Churchill still a sine qua non for interven- and de Gaulle were perhaps too tion on the continent, but Britain similar – not least in their combat- persisted in believing that block- iveness – to like or trust each ade had won the First World War other. After 1941, neither of their and could be relied upon to win a countries was any longer the second. When, in 1939, Britain arbiter of international relations did adopt conscription and then that it had once been; both had send a mass army to the conti- difficulty coming to terms with the nent, its soldiers had a fact, and both aspired to preserve stomach-wrenching sense of déjà their empires and use them as vu. They passed through Arras foundations in their war efforts. and took up positions on the In the history of the Entente Belgian border. The subsequent Cordiale, it was entirely appropri- defeat took the cordiality out of ate that the starting point for their the Entente. Just as war had joint military recovery should have cemented the alliance in 1914, so been North Africa and the Middle war smashed it in 1940. The East, and equally unsurprising ‘miracle’ of Dunkirk was the worst that Churchill should have hoped French nightmare of 1914-18 to soften de Gaulle in July 1941 come true: their abandonment by with the thought that, “France the British. For London, France’s could aim at having in Syria after capitulation on 25 June made its the war the same sort of position ally an enemy. On 3 July 1940 the as we had established between Royal Navy bombarded the French the wars in Iraq”.7 fleet at Mers-el-Kébir. On 8 June The dénouement was played out 1941 British forces attacked the not in France in 1944, but at Suez forces of Vichy France in Syria, the in 1956. For the last time Britain first battle between the two and France used the Entente nations since Waterloo. Cordiale to wage war and to Once again war and empire were support their positions in North the touchstones of the Entente. Africa. But now the ‘enemy’ that Although the British were fighting defined the alliance proved to be against Frenchmen in Syria, they also an ally, the United States. In were also fighting alongside 1919-39 the triangular relation- them. In Damascus Free French ship between Britain, France and units of the Foreign Legion Germany strained Anglo-French clashed with fellow legionnaires relations, because Britain saw the fighting for Vichy. But de Gaulle’s place of France’s eastern neigh- men were excluded from the bour in different terms from those

156 Lectures

of Paris. In 1956 the United relationship’ with America, while States refused to condone the at the same time ensuring that the Anglo-French seizure of the canal. Entente Cordiale remains in good Since then, Britain has often shape. As the latter enters its found its perceptions of America second century, it has never been differing from those of its nearest harder. War and empire no longer neighbour. Unlike Germany, the provide the binding force for the United States shares both a Entente, but they are constituent common language and a common elements (however broadly political inheritance with the defined and ‘soft’ that imperialism United Kingdom. The principal might be) in the ‘special relation- foreign policy challenge for ship’. Physical proximity, second successive British governments homes, and battlefield tours to has been to honour the ‘special the Western Front will not be enough.

1 Quoted by P.M.H. Bell, France and Britain 1900-1940: entente and estrangement (London, 1996), p. 1 2 Quoted by Christopher Andrew, The Entente Cordiale from its origins to 1914, in Neville Waites, Troubled neighbours: Franco-British relations in the twentieth century (London, 1971),p. 11 3 Samuel R. Williamson, The politics of grand strategy: Britain and France prepare for war, 1904-1914 (1969, reprint, London, 1990), p.297 4 H.H. Asquith, Letters to Venetia Stanley (Oxford, 1985), ed. Michael and Eleanor Brock, p. 138 5 Keith Wilson, The Policy of the Entente: essays on the determinants of British foreign policy (Cambridge, 1985), p. 63 6 J. Martet, Le Tigre (Paris, 1930), p. 59 7 Winston Churchill, The Second World War (6 vols, London, 1948-54), III, p. 715

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Professor Monkombu S. Swaminathan FRS UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology and President, Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs 23 June 2004 Scottish Agricultural and Biological Research Institutes Lecture Biotechnology, Organic Farming and Shaping our Agricultural Future

Speaker’s Abstract Global agriculture faces formida- Research Foundation will be ble challenges. Countries like described in this lecture. To India, China and Bangladesh must achieve an ever-green revolution increase production under which will enhance farm produc- conditions of diminishing arable tivity without ecological harm, land, water resources, climate molecular breeding and organic change and expanding stresses. farming will need to be integrat- Research on such issues must ed. GM foods and organic foods therefore be intensified. The should not be pitched one against development strategies adopted the other. by the M. S. Swaminathan

158 CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS, SYMPOSIA, SEMINARS AND DISCUSSION FORUMS RSE/BA Joint Conference Anglo-Scottish Relations since 1914 6-7 November 2003

The meeting in Edinburgh formed differences rather than attempting the third part of an extended to suppress them. event to mark the fourth cente- Dr Findlay however noted Queen nary of the Union of the Crowns Victoria’s success in stressing in 1603. The centenary event Scottish distinctiveness in a way began with a Lecture: Oh Brave that her twentieth-century New World? The Union of successors were unwilling or Scotland and England in 1603 unable to do. And Professor which was given by Dr Jenny Mitchell pointed to the growing Wormald at the British Academy emphasis on popular sovereignty, in March 2003. That was followed which posed new problems for by a two-part conference which the Union. Professor Kellas met in London (17-18 Sept 2003) pointed to the significance of and Edinburgh (6-7 Nov 2003). political party manoeuvring in the The London meeting focused on events that ultimately led to Anglo-Scottish Relations from Devolution. 1603 to 1914 and the Edinburgh meeting on the period since 1914 Victoria’s ministers left one – with particular emphasis on the particularly important imprint very recent Past, the Present and upon Scottish-English relations: the foreseeable Future. the Goshen formula, renamed in recent times the Barnett formula Professor Smout opened the or even the Barnett Squeeze. Edinburgh meeting with a brief Although redefined much more review of the London meeting, frequently than it was renamed noting that most Unions of the basic concept of a crude, Crowns in history had not lasted; simple formula for allocating the Union of the Scottish and government expenditure between English Crowns was therefore Scotland and England persisted. exceptional. That Union, and the But as external conditions subsequent Union of Parliaments, changed, its impact varied from proved initially unpopular but fairness to bias – whether to the nonetheless long-lasting – in part advantage or disadvantage of at least because they were Unions Scotland. Professor McLean that celebrated (Scottish/English) declared the formula to be

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‘broken’. It could soon disadvan- population as a whole. Professor tage Scotland so severely that a Schlesinger was more critical of new formula would be needed if the Scottish Parliament’s perform- the Union were to be preserved. ance on media issues. Culture was But Professor Heald and Mr a devolved subject but communi- McLeod disputed that verdict and cation was not, and the Scottish argued that the formula would Parliament had been unassertive probably evolve, especially as on broadcasting matters. This there is no agreement on a raised the wider issue of whether replacement. Drawing on interna- the role of a national parliament tional comparisons, Professor was merely to pass laws or to act Jeffery addressed the fundamental as a sounding-board for the question of any continuing Union: nation. The Scottish Parliament why should south-east Englanders has been remarkably quick to help fund Scottish needs? expand its role beyond the strictly Professor Hazell and Mr Wintrobe legal on ethnic minority issues but noted that the Scottish Parliament not, by contrast, on broadcasting had received a ‘bad press’, issues. particularly in Scotland, but they In two separate papers, Professor argued that it had pioneered new Heath and Professor Curtice procedures – for scrutiny of compared Scottish and English legislation, approving the budget, reactions to Scottish Devolution. calling the Executive to account, Professor Heath focused on and redressing citizens’ grievances divergent identities and the – which were a ‘significant different meaning of ‘Britishness’ improvement’ on Westminster. Dr north and south of the border. Hussain and Professor Miller Professor Curtice concluded that investigated the new Parliament Scots and English had not been and Executive’s success in reassur- ‘driven apart’ by devolution. Both ing ethnic minorities – notably the Scots and English supported Pakistani and English minorities – devolution for Scotland even that they were not threatened by though many of the English were constitutional change or by less convinced of its utility for growing nationalism within England or the English regions. Scotland. Their evidence indicated The North-East of England was that ethnic divisions were less perhaps an exception however. intense than historic sectarian Through a focus on CB Fawcett, divisions and, more remarkably, whose Provinces in England was that the SNP was now more the ‘founding text of English popular within some ethnic regionalism’, Professor Tomaney minorities than within the Scottish traced the development of a

160 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums regional identity and regional adopted personal assimilation institutions of governance in the strategies’. One in five even wore North-East of England – which is a kilt on occasion – hence the title likely to be amongst the first wave of his paper: The Kilted English. of English regions to acquire an Professor McCrone argued that elected Regional Assembly. In the the Union in the 21st Century North-East such an Assembly could no longer be based – as it would have indigenous English was in the 20th Century – on roots; it would be much more ‘welfare and warfare’. It was a than a merely negative reaction to ‘state of contradictions’ but might Scottish Devolution. nonetheless persist in a hollowed- Using qualitative research meth- out form as a ‘loose-linked, ods, Dr McCarthy looked at the supra-national, multi-ethnic personal experience of Scots in liberal state’. England, while Dr Watson looked In his closing paper, New Unions at the experience of the English in for Old, Professor MacCormick Scotland. Dr McCarthy’s research returned to the theme outlined by emphasised the importance of Professor Smout at the start: the Scottishness for Scots in England. remarkably robust Union of the But it was very much a private Crowns – as distinct from the later rather than a public matter for Union of Parliaments. Professor them – as for Scots in New MacCormick saw the Union of Zealand but unlike Scots in the Crowns as the Union of the future USA or Canada – and it blended if devolution led on to parliamen- easily with a sense of Britishness. tary and governmental Dr Watson found that the English independence from England, in Scotland were shocked by the albeit within a wider network of nationalism of Scots but nonethe- European governance. The Union less ‘nine out of ten consciously of 1603 might then outlast the Union of 1707.

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Discussion Forum 1 December 2003 Do We Approve of a Jury System for Complicated Trials?

Professor Gerry Maher, QC The system of trial by jury evolved began by stating that the propos- when criminal trials were very al he wished to advance is limited different from what they are in scope. It is not one to abolish today. Trials were much, much juries altogether. It is rather to shorter. The thought that a single remove jury trials in certain cases trial could last for weeks, never of complexity, and the reason we mind months, would not have should do is that these cases are occurred to anyone in the 18th not suitable ones for determina- and 19th Centuries. Furthermore, tion by a jury. Instead, such cases there was little by way of technical should be heard by a judge or scientific evidence. By contrast, without a jury. It should be borne the complex trial is a modern in mind that only about 1-2% of phenomenon, its very complexity all criminal cases involve a jury being based on the existence of trial. Trial by jury is not typical in professional and scientific our criminal justice system. Rather concepts unknown to the average it is very much the exception. juror. One (but not the only) type What is typical is trial by a profes- of complex case is that of a fraud sional judge sitting without a jury. which can be understood only by Professor Maher argued that someone who is familiar with the accordingly, his proposal does not workings of highly specialised involve any radical departure from markets. Yet the conditions in our current practices. which jury trials are typically Another feature of our current heard, with evidence being led criminal justice system is the each day for days (and weeks) on considerable emphasis placed on end hardly ensure that a jury can pre-trial management. Parties are properly absorb and understand expected to inform the court of what they hear and see. In the nature of the likely evidence complex cases, there must be and the probable length of a trial. serious doubts whether jurors can Accordingly, it would not be too obey their oath to, “well and truly difficult to devise criteria for try the accused and give a true identifying what trials are likely to verdict according to the evi- be complex. dence”. Professor Maher thus concluded that were a judge to

162 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums deal with a complex case he or she be necessary to apply it to many would give reasons for the verdict, common law crimes. and justice would be both done To increase the discretion of the and seen to be done, in this type Lord Advocate to determine the of case. method of trial, Lord Penrose The Rt Hon Lord Penrose then argued, would be controversial. delivered an address, which To confer a relevant jurisdiction on argued, “We Should Approve of a the court would undermine the Jury System for Complicated separation of functions that Trails”. defines our criminal justice He began by stating that trial by system. jury involves citizens in the If one could resolve the issue of criminal justice system. It is an mastery of the instance, the next important component of our problem would be the lack of any understanding of public duty. acceptable alternative to trial by Through the jury, the system jury. The use of technical asses- accounts to an appreciable section sors or lay members of a of the public for discharge of its combined tribunal would intro- responsibilities. Reducing the role duce risks of professional of the jury, or suggesting that it prejudice. In cases of real finan- was unsuitable for complicated cial complexity the judge would cases, would be counter-produc- be disadvantaged without tive. technical support. He went on to argue that there is Therefore, Lord Penrose conclud- no acceptable mechanism for ed that the jury system has distinguishing exceptionally adapted to the changing needs of complicated cases from the norm. society, and can continue to Fraud and other financial cases are change. Current proposals for not necessarily complicated, either reform should be implemented in their central facts or in presen- and tested before more radical tation. Many cases of murder and expedients are tried. rape raise complex issues. If complexity were a reason for an alternative means of trial, it would

163 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Discussion Forum SARS - The Lessons Learned 8 December 2003

Speakers and Topics

Dr Valerie Delpech Valerie has most recently been Global epidemics of Severe Acute working on the HPA response to Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) the global outbreaks of Severe reported between February and Acute Respiratory Syndrome July 2003 resulted in over 8000 (SARS), the UK arm of an interna- probable cases and presented tional study on SARS, and the major public health challenges. development of guidance and Whilst only a few true cases were surveillance for SARS in the post- detected in the United Kingdom, outbreak period. the response was considerable. Dr Martin Donaghy The early detection, isolation and A feature of recent decades has reporting of cases and the been the emergence of new provision of guidelines and infections which have the poten- targeted information were key tial to cause havoc in the societies components. Although the first in which they occur. SARS may global outbreak of SARS was show a similar seasonal pattern of officially “contained” on 5 July transmission as other respiratory 2003, the world must remain viral infections. If so, there is a vigilant to the possibility of its re- possibility it may return in the emergence. autumn/winter period and be Valerie Delpech is currently a imported into Scotland. We must Locum Consultant Epidemiologist be ready. The purpose of this talk in the Respiratory Department of is to describe the key elements of the Communicable Disease how we should prepare for this Surveillance Centre (CDSC) at possibility. Colindale in London. She trained Martin Donaghy is Clinical in Public Health Medicine in the Director at The Scottish Centre for state of New South Wales in Infection and Environmental Australia and was Medical Health (SCIEH). SCIEH, part of the Epidemiologist and Manager of Common Services Agency is a Infectious Diseases Surveillance multi-disciplinary organisation with the NSW Department of carrying out surveillance, opera- Health in Sydney until December 2002. 164 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums tional support, research and extensively involved in public training on communicable health policy in Scotland especially diseases and environmental relating to health protection. hazards. Among issues concerning the Prior to his current post Martin latter has been Healthcare was Senior Medical Officer in Associated Infection. He has Public Health at the Scottish worked at Lanarkshire, Ayrshire Executive Health Department. and Arran and Tayside NHS Boards With over 20 years experience in and has experience working various aspects of public health, abroad with a spell in Peru in the Martin has contributed to a late 1970s and early 1980s and in number of publications, been Spain in the 1990s. Medical Adviser to the Food Standards Agency (Scotland) and

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Discussion Forum Monday 12 January 2004 The Cause of Eating Disorders: The Individual, the Culture, or Both?

Dr Chris Freeman began by Dr Freeman concluded that self- discussing the view that eating induced starvation can have disorders, Anorexia Nervosa, political, cosmetic, social and Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating cultural aims, but importantly can Nervosa are widely regarded as also become self sustaining and 20th Century socially-determined addictive. conditions. He explained that he Dr Harry Millar then delivered an intended to explore the apparent address entitled, “Eating Disor- emergence of these disorders in ders in Scotland: Hunger for the middle of the 20th Century Resources”. and why they appear to preferen- tially affect young women, and He began by revealing that studies assess the role of culture, family, in the North East of Scotland media and individual psychology. show an increased incidence of anorexia nervosa over the last 35 He suggested that these condi- years. Bulimia nervosa is more tions should be reclassified as common than anorexia nervosa dieting disorders rather than and, in addition, half of specialist- eating disorders because of the referred patients suffer from other central role that dietary restraint related eating disorders. These plays. He went on to explain that atypical eating disorders also eating disorders are multiple- cause significant impairment and, determined; there is no single for those patients with a con- cause. To understand the causa- firmed diagnosis of anorexia tion of these disorders it is nervosa, there is a threefold necessary to examine the meaning increased risk of premature death. of severe dietary restraint and thinness for the individual and the Dr Millar went on to explain that message their thinness gives to patients often present late for those around them. It is also treatment. This can be due to important to appreciate the role their lack of awareness or denial that biological and genetic factors of the problem, delays in diagno- have in causing these conditions. sis and difficulties in accessing appropriate treatment. Various self help approaches can be

166 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums effective or patients may seek five out of fourteen health board professional help out with the areas had specialist eating health service. disorder services and found no Within the health service, the first specialist adult beds in NHS point of contact is usually the Scotland. General Practitioner (GP), but Finally, Dr Millar stated that in some patients have difficulty England the National Institute for approaching the GP and some Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been may present with symptoms not developing clinical guidelines for obviously due to the eating eating disorders. In Scotland, disorder. Once they make the although the Health Department diagnosis, the response of GPs is has produced recommendations very variable; for example, in for services as part of the Frame- Grampian the referral rate to the work for Mental Health, there is Eating Disorder Service shows a no timetable for implementation sixteenfold range of difference and no new resources are identi- between practices. A recent fied. Scottish survey found that only

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Symposium A Resource to be Harnessed: Maximising the Contribution of Older Members of Society 23 January 2004

Legislative, demographic and Government legislation is now economic factors, including impending and it is appropriate to constraints in the funding of explore these issues as they affect pensions, now make the effective professional knowledge workers, extension of working life both where institutions such as the possible, inevitable, and perhaps Royal Society of Edinburgh can on appropriate terms, desirable. offer particular insight. The most ‘Cliff edge’ or ‘brick wall’ models important elements for further for retirement are inappropriate consideration include: and unwarranted from the · Identifying the changes in medical evidence. Life is a expectations and attitudes continuum and there should be among professional workers the minimum of arbitrary, pre- that will follow from current scriptive boundaries. No single developments and establishing pattern emerged as being univer- areas of common interest; sally applicable and the collective data available for society in · Defining essential require- general certainly concealed several ments in legislation and important and distinct sub- regulation to meet concerns in groups. Professional ‘knowledge specific professional areas; workers’ formed one such group; · Reviewing attitudes and less constrained by physical or machinery for handling issues motor skill requirements, and less, of professional competency or not at all, dependent on state and encouraging the sharing pension provision. This group, of best practice; and after extensive training and long · Considering ‘objective and experience, often possessed skills reasonable’ expectations with that remained in significant regard to career development demand. Their interests were not and progression planning in demanding of resources, but the light of society’s need for rather could be enabled to professional effectiveness. contribute both fiscally and in service to the community. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, with its Fellowship drawn from all

168 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums the knowledge disciplines, is well Some saw themselves as belong- placed to focus such debate and ing to a ‘golden generation’ with on the basis of this report now subsequent generations destined invites interested parties to to toil indefinitely - but perhaps comment. that was no more than a comfort The invited participants, drawn in old age. Nevertheless, some from a wide range of groups with consensus emerged around interests in this area, were formed concepts such as the need for into discussion syndicates. Each flexibility, the importance of syndicate then tackled a specific changing society’s attitude to question framed in the light of ageing and the need to view life the context already established by as a continuum. However, there the briefing papers. Syndicates were doubts as to where prime were united as to the importance responsibility lay, with Govern- of the issues under discussion and ment (EU or UK), financial on the dearth of adequate institutions, employers or individ- information about the group of uals. In the final analysis much professional workers that were of depended on the ability of the particular concern to this meeting. individual to define his or her The specific questions tackled and needs and expectations for later the conclusions of the syndicates, life and to plan and act according- presented in Appendix A, in- ly. formed the general discussion Blunt instruments were unpopu- that followed. lar. Such legislatively simple, and When we talk of tomorrow the seemingly economically predicta- Gods laugh! This is an appropri- ble solutions, such as a ‘Raising of ate warning as to the limitations the Retirement Age’ would not of debate and intellectual analysis meet the diversity of need and in a field subject, not only to the ambition. They might also even interplay of individual preference, fail to fulfil economic expectations market and demographic forces, as, for example, in the case of but also to regulation by local, employment following the national and European govern- Working Hours Directive. ments. Entrenched attitudes are A successful policy must work to be expected, along with the ‘with the grain’. Sadly, the tree of simultaneous advance of orthogo- life is heavily knotted and overall nal views; for example, in the statistics provide a poor guide to desire to leave head-room for individuals who must be afforded younger people without corre- the maximum flexibility. Different sponding loss of status or generations were likely to have responsibility for older staff. markedly different aspirations.

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Attitudes to ambition, success, ment of ‘competence’ was already achievement and self-worth were well developed in some profes- hard, perhaps almost impossible, sions, e.g. Medicine. Much could to change and would require be gained by sharing best practice sustained effort. Education, between professions. genuine and lifelong, example It was clear that substantial and encouragement would all be economic benefits could be needed. achieved for both society and the The concept of life as a continu- individual from changes in um, which emerged strongly in expectation and regulation. This the medical evidence, was seized was not a zero sum game. upon as of general importance At a practical level, there is much and as providing the thread on to do. The ‘customer’ must be which to at least rationalise, if not clearly identified, and his or her plan. Distinctions between work contribution and needs have to be and play, employment and researched across the range of retirement would become less disciplines and circumstances. significant. Death to retirement, Professional organisations should not retirement to death would be develop these ideas in their own the key. constituencies and perhaps work The concepts of ‘objectivity and alongside the RSE in formulating reasonableness’ likely to be a more considered position. enshrined in legislation would Other organisations represented need careful exploration in the at the meeting indicated a wish to light of issues of competence, continue this debate and collabo- succession planning and public rate with the RSE. protection. These concerns are Extracted from full report (ISBN No likely to develop under the 0 902198 14 9), which is available scrutiny of case law. The measure- on the RSE Website.

170 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums

Particle Physics Workshop Advances in Heavy Quark Physics 4 February 2004

Speakers and Topics

Session 1 Tagging b-Jets at Colliders Chairman: Professor D H Saxon, Dr G Borissov, Department of FRSE, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Physics, University of Lancaster University of Glasgow Rare B Decays Heavy Flavour Physics at Dr P J Clark, School of Physics, Hadron Colliders University of Edinburgh Dr P J Bussey, Department of B ® X(s) g and B ® X(s) l+l- in Physics and Astronomy, University the Standard Model and SUSY of Glasgow Dr M Gorbahn, Institute for Theoretical Overview of Heavy Particle Physics Phenomenology, Flavour Physics University of Durham Dr P Ball, Institute for Particle Session 3 Physics Phenomenology, University Chairman: Prof P N Ratoff, De- of Durham partment of Physics, University of Session 2 Lancaster Chairman: Prof K J Peach, FRSE, Heavy Flavour Physics at e+e- Central Laboratory for the Re- Machines search Councils Prof D Hitlin, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena New Lattice Calculations for Vub Determination from B ® p Semi leptonic Decays Ms K Foley, Cornell University

171 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Conference Scotland and the Media 9 March 2004

“The three-way breakdown of trust between government and politicians, the media and the general public...... has led to increasing disillusionment amongst parts of society, particularly the young and ethnic groups. There has been a corresponding disengagement and withdrawal from the political and democratic processes, evidenced by declining participation in local and general elections. The breakdown...... poses questions both to politicians and to the media as to how they conduct their legitimate, but very different, roles and responsibilities. An Independent Review of Government Communications, January 2004.

Voter turnout across the UK at the Attitude Survey, it is 16%. These last general election (2001) fell to trends were sufficiently worrying 59%, the lowest since 1918. It for the Government to commis- was even worse amongst younger sion an independent review – the voters, with just over a third of 18- Phillis Report quoted above – to 34 year-olds (39%) registering see what can be done about it. their vote. Today, it appears many The blame for much of this has younger people are more likely to been attributed to aggressive vote in televised pop contests media coverage that focuses on such as Pop Idol than they are for failure rather than celebrating their local politicians. Saturday- success. This has a corrosive night entertainment is assuming effect, reducing respect for greater importance than partici- politicians and turning people pating in democracy. away from the political process. It At the same time, public confi- begs many questions – how much dence in our elected are politicians to blame for this representatives and institutions is situation; is journalism properly falling. In 1974, 39% of the serving the public interest; what population believed the Govern- can be done to curb the excesses ment of whatever political of the media; and how can persuasion would put the nation- relationships be improved in the al good above party gain. Today, interests of creating a better according to the British Social

172 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums informed, interested and engaged ble. He supported the notion that electorate? the Scottish media should not be These were some of the key frightened of addressing big ideas questions examined at a confer- and should look at what is ence organised by the Royal happening in the rest of the world Society of Edinburgh on March 9, through a Scottish, and not a 2004. It arose out of concerns London, dimension. However, from within the Fellowship of the that type of journalism is more Society at the apparent break- expensive, which brought into down in trust between the people question issues of ownership and of Scotland and their politicians. investment in Scottish-based The conference sought to examine media. how Scotland can respond. It was He also welcomed the concern expertly chaired by the BBC expressed about the increasing presenter, James Naughtie, and blurring of news and comment. featured presentations from He said he was not alone in leading figures from the world of finding it unsettling to listen to a media and politics. radio or television news broadcast Summing up, Trevor Royle, where a reporter is talking to a Associate Editor of the Sunday journalist about an issue or an Herald and a Fellow of the Royal event rather than to the people Society of Edinburgh, agreed with directly involved. the view expressed by a number of The electronic revolution in contributors that relations broadcasting and journalism did between politicians and the press not get too much attention, but were improving in Scotland. It is Mr Royle believed that this may be not the end of the war but the the face of the future. There is so beginning of a truce, he said. It much information that can now was also perhaps a sign that we be accessed via the internet that it are beginning to grow up and to is a wonder, sometimes, why understand that the Parliament people bother to pick up a cannot deliver on everything. newspaper, he concluded. Mr Royle said he was heartened to Extracted from full report (ISBN hear the discussion of a Scottish 0 902 198 39 4.) which is availa- PCC, which may be an idea that ble on the RSE Website. will grow into something tangi-

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RSE/Wellcome Trust Research Workshop Molecular, Clinical and Safety Aspects of Nutrition Research 17 March 2004

Organiser Michael Schweizer, of In the second session introduced Edinburgh University’s School of by Steve Euston, Professor Howard Life Sciences, set the scene by Davies, SCRI, Dundee, gave an describing the School of Life overview on the opportunities and Sciences’ contribution to Food challenges of enhancing the Science and Nutrition Research in nutritional value of crop plants. Scotland. He then chaired the first The theme of functional foods session which dealt with molecu- was expanded by Professor lar and safety aspects of nutrition Donald Muir, FFAST Solutions Ltd, research. Professor Ian Connerton, Hannah Research Park, Ayr, in a University of Nottingham, de- clear and concise lecture. Ques- scribed the dangers of tions from the delegates showed campylobacters in poultry produc- that this is an area which has tion and how it can be potential. counteracted by phage control. During lunch there was ample The activation of the transcription opportunity for networking. In the factor NF-kB plays a role in afternoon session led by Michael campylobacter infection and this Schweizer, Professor Rudolph provided a link to the positive Riemersma, University of Edin- effects of omega-3 fatty acids burgh, defended the utility of described by Professor Klaus randomised trials in determining Wahle, The Robert Gordon the influence of diet on cardiovas- University, Aberdeen, the second cular disease. speaker of the day. Herring and The final speaker, Professor Mike mackerel are excellent sources of Lean, University of Glasgow, gave these fatty acids. A lively discus- an entertaining and insightful sion on NF-kB activation followed presentation on obesity and the the lectures and continued into need for improving the Scottish the coffee break. Fruit was diet. He emphasised that the Food available to ensure that the fifty Industry must pay more attention delegates from academia, industry to the results of nutrition research and the Scottish Food Standards since nutrition has an important Agency did not have to forego role in food choice. their ‘five portions a day’!

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The final discussion emphasised grammes in food and beverage the need for ‘research pooling’ in science can make a valuable Scottish Food Science and the contribution. This workshop necessity of consultation with the formed the basis of an outline Scottish Food Industry and the proposal submitted to SHEFC with Executive. It is intended that this Heriot-Watt University as the lead workshop will provide the basis institution in response to a call for for future research collaboration SRDG funding. In total there are to which the School of Life five Scottish Universities who Sciences with its research pro- intend to build a collaborative network.

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Symposium The Future of Retailing - Transport 25 March 2004

The fifth and final in a series of annual symposia was held at the Society on Thursday 25th March 2004 and attracted some 80 participants. Speakers and Topics

Challenges for City Centre Congestion Charging and its Retailing Impact on Retailing: London and Mr Luke Mayhew, Managing Edinburgh Director, John Lewis. Professor Michael Bell, Civil and Luke Mayhew became Managing Environmental Engineering, Director of John Lewis in 2000. Imperial College London. John Lewis is the largest depart- The London congestion charging ment store business in the UK, scheme has proved very effective with 26 shops, a direct on-line in reducing traffic and hence business and three textile manu- congestion, but the longer-term facturing plants. It employs over land-use impacts are only now 25,000 people who are all becoming evident. Retail within Partners. Luke joined the John the congestion charging zone has Lewis Partnership in 1992 and taken a hit. However, congestion took on the Development Director charging is but one way of role the following year. After managing traffic in urban areas. leaving Oxford University Luke had Smaller cities, like Newcastle upon a short stint in the Department of Tyne, have successfully employed Trade and Industry. He then pedestrianisation. Access by car is joined Thomas Cook and soon maintained by peripheral parking became Development Director. In while stores in the pedestrian 1985 he joined British Airways, predinct are supplied from behind where he held senior positions in or below. Pedestrians move marketing and human resources. unhindered by traffic between In 1990 he became Chief Execu- stores and other city centre tive (Europe) of Shandwick plc, a attractions. Access by bus is major public relations consultancy maintained by a bus-only street business. which bisects the pedestrian precinct. The pedestrian precinct

176 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums has been distinctively paved and (RDCs), retailers have been able to equipped with street furniture, rationalise the grocery distribution creating a pedestrian friendly system, reducing traffic levels on atmosphere. Retail is playing an the last link to the shop. ‘Quick important part in maintaining the response’ replenishment from historic buildings around the suppliers threatened to reduce monument. While large-scale transport efficiency on the pedestrianisation would not have ‘primary’ link from the factory. been feasible for an area the size The channelling of inbound of the London congestion supplies through ‘primary consoli- charging zone, for smaller cities dation centres’ and development pedestrianisation can offer less of backloading networks has risk to activities such as retail and helped to counter this trend. more gain for pedestrians. Over the past three years, some of The Impact of Retailing Logistics the major grocery retailers, Trends on the UK Transport particularly Tesco, have negotiated System ‘factory-gate pricing’ arrange- Professor Alan McKinnon, ments with their suppliers, Director, Logistics Research, effectively assuming full responsi- Heriot-Watt University. bility for distribution from the point of production. This is Over the past forty years, major yielding transport savings for British retailers have extended these retailers, though its wider their control back along the impact on logistics costs and supply chain. Many now regard traffic levels across the industry supply chain management as a are still uncertain. core competence and source of competitive advantage. Through The centralised systems of their involvement in logistics distribution that the large retailers upstream of the shop, retailers are have set up make it easier for now responsible for a significant them to source products from proportion of freight movement. further afield. This has contribut- The supermarket chains alone ed to the ‘food miles’ trend and is account for roughly 4.5% of all reflected in the 40% increase in the lorry traffic on Britain’s roads. the average length of haul for grocery products over the past 20 Professor McKinnon charted the years. development of logistics in the retail grocery sector and assessed The lean, highly time-sensitive its impact on the transport system. distribution operations of super- By consolidating supplies at market chains are vulnerable to regional distribution centres traffic congestion. A recent survey

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in the food supply chain found problem’. Unattended delivery at that 29% of journeys were subject the home will increase delivery to a delay. Around two-thirds of flexibility and permit substantial these delays, however, were due reductions in van traffic. to the unreliability of loading and Research in the UK, Finland and unloading operations at factories, the Netherlands suggests that the warehouses and shops. Exposure substitution of home deliveries for to traffic congestion was height- car-based shopping trips offers ened by the scheduling of both the potential to cut road traffic by RDC and shop deliveries during a significant margin. This as- the morning peak period. Re- sumes, of course, that people will scheduling of deliveries to the not use the time saved to travel evening and night can ease this elsewhere by car. problem, though it is constrained by night curfews and working The Latest Information to time restrictions. Opportunities Improve Understanding of also exist for reducing total lorry- Retail Performance kms by (i) reinforcing the Mr John Gallagher, Managing downward trend in empty Director, FootFall. running, (ii) filling the available John Gallagher discussed the space on laden vehicles and (iii) FootFall Congestion Charge Index transferring traffic to the rail and issues that have impacted on network. In recent years, there the congestion charge over the has been a significant increase in year, such as the Central Line, the the volume of retail supplies SARS outbreak, and the Madrid moved by rail, but from a very low Bombing. base. He also considered performance The presentation concluded with differences between Scotland and a review of the likely effects of the London and the effect of Scottish growth of grocery home shopping events, such as major football on road traffic levels. This will games or snow, on footfall. partly depend on the way retailers and carriers address the ‘last mile

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Conference Fire and Structures : Implications of the World Trade Center Disaster 21 April 2004

Full copies of the Conference Papers are available on the RSE Website (www.royalsoced.org.uk/events/2004.htm)

Speakers Professor Farshad Alamdari Dr Peter Bressington PhD CEng FCIBSE Director, Leader Arup Fire Interna- Chief Scientist, Building Research tional, Ove Arup and Partners Ltd Establishment (BRE) Peter Bressington is a senior fire In 1997 Professor Farshad engineer who has been leader of Alamdari joined the management Arup Fire in East Asia (based in team of BRE (the Building Re- Hong Kong) and is currently search Establishment), just after its leader of Arup Fire International privatisation, as a key business based in London. Peter has acted driver in the cultural change as an expert witness in fire safety necessary to take a Government matters where legal proceedings research organisation into a or agreements have been re- commercial research-based quired. He is Co-Chairman of the consultancy company. Since then Design Criteria and Loads Group he has managed various research- on the Council on Tall Buildings based businesses involving and Urban Habitat, currently he is environmental and fire safety assisting in re-writing CIBSE issues. Guide E, Fire Engineering Hand- In 2001, Farshad was promoted to book. He chaired the Arup Managing Director of the fire Extreme Events Task Force set up division of BRE, FRS (formerly Fire after 11th September. Research Station) and recently to Dr Jose Torero the BRE Chief Scientist. Reader in Fire Dynamics, University Obtained his PhD from Cranfield of Edinburgh University, Farshad is a Chartered Structures in Fire: An Overview of Engineer and is a Fellow Member the Boundary Condition of the CIBSE, Visiting Professor at José L. Torero obtained his PhD the University of Ulster and from the University of California Visiting Special Professor at Berkeley in 1992. He is currently Nottingham University. Reader in Fire Dynamics at The

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University of Edinburgh, UK and a and teaching awards that include Researcher (en Disponibilité) at the E. Robert Kent Outstanding the French National Center for Teaching Award (1998), the Scientific Research (CNRS). He William M. Carey Award for the previously held the position of Best Paper Presented at the Fire Associate Professor at the Depart- Suppression and Detection ment of Fire Protection Research Application Symposium Engineering and an Affiliate (2001) and the Harry C. Biggle- Associate Professor at the Depart- stone Award for the Best Paper ment of Aerospace Engineering at Published in Fire Technology in the University of Maryland, USA. 2002. He is a member of the British Dr Susan Lamont Section Committee of the Com- Fire Engineer, Arup Fire bustion Institute and of the Board of the International Association Structural Fire Protection:From for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS). He is Prescription To The Performance also a member of the AIAA Micro- Based Approach gravity and Space Processes Dr Susan Lamont is currently Technical Committee, the ASME based in London working as a Fire Fire and Combustion (K-11) Engineer for Ove Arup and Committee, the UL Foams Fire Partners. Susan is a member of the Suppression Systems committee structures in fire group and and NASA’s Mars or Bust. He is on specialises in structural fire the editorial board of the journals design, but is responsible for Fire Technology and Fire Safety many aspects of life safety design Journal. when producing a fire strategy for He specialises in fire safety a building. engineering and his work is Susan is actively involved in primarily in the general areas of encouraging research into fire dynamics, smoke detection & structures in fire. Arup Fire management, fire protection and sponsor a number of PhD stu- suppression systems. Recently he dents in the UK. Susan completed has been involved in the study of her PhD at the University of fire-induced skin burns, waste Edinburgh in October 2001. Her incineration and the behaviour of PhD title was The Behaviour of structures in the event of a fire. He multi-storey composite steel is the author or co-author of three framed structures in response to book chapters, more than 50 compartment fires. This was a journal publications and more computing-based PhD analysing than 100 other technical docu- the influence of different fire ments. Dr. Torero has been the scenarios on generic composite recipient of numerous research steel frame multi-storey structures.

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Susan worked extensively with the eight years he has worked in the research team at Edinburgh field of fire investigation, fire University modelling the Carding- research and fire engineering and ton frame fire tests. currently heads up a team of six Professor Geoff Cox dedicated fire engineers providing Fire Research Station , Building consultancy services to the Research Establishment (Retired) Brigade’s fire safety teams. His and Visiting Professor Cranfield team are involved in all major University building and civil projects across London together with research Fire Modelling activities at major fires. Other Geoff Cox was, until his retire- activities include committee work ment last year, Research Director for BSI, CACFOA together with of the UK Fire Research Station lecturing and a keen personal (FRS) and Chairman of the interest in sailing. International Standards Technical Professor Vince Brannigan Committee on Fire Safety. Lecturer in Building Safety and the He joined FRS in 1973 and has Law, Department of Fire Protection undertaken research on many Engineering, University of Mary- aspects of fire dynamics. He land and Visiting Professor in Fire pioneered the development of fire Risk Engineering at Glasgow modelling using computational Caledonian University fluid dynamics and is author of The World Trade Center: Terrorist over 100 scientific papers and Arson and the Law three books. Professor Vincent Brannigan He is currently a Visiting Professor teaches Building Safety and the at Cranfield University and Law in the Department of Fire continues to contribute to fire Protection Engineering at the safety science as an advisor to FRS University of Maryland. He is also and through his links with various Visiting Professor in Fire Risk universities. Engineering at Glasgow Caledoni- Mr Jim Golt an University. His BS is in the Group Commander, Fire Engineer- History of Technology from The ing, London Fire Brigade University of Maryland, and His JD is from Georgetown University. A Fire Service Perspective He is a member the bar and a Jim has served in the London Fire regular lecturer at the US fire Brigade for 26 years and has academy in Emmitsburg MD. He carried out various duties includ- has been very active in fire safety ing operations, training, fire safety codes research on a world wide and risk management. For the last basis.

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Conference Cormack Meeting 26 April 2004

Ross Galloway Scott Gregory University of Glasgow University of St Andrews Fast electron slowing-down and Accretion channelling in classical T diffusion in a high-temperature Tauri stars source Tom McIvor Niall Deacon University of St Andrews University of Edinburgh Zeeman Doppler imaging of LQ Meeting the neighbours Hya Mark Toner Kirsty Selway University of Glasgow University of Glasgow Unravelling fast protons and a Modelling the polarimetric particles in solar flares signatures of extra-solar planets Paul Clark during microlensing events University of St Andrews Marek Kukula The nature of fragmentation in a University of Edinburgh turbulent environment Quasars, black holes and the Isla Simpson evolution of massive galaxies University of St Andrews Matthew Pitkin Accretion onto stellar magneto- University of Glasgow spheres Searching for gravitational waves Ben Panter from known binary pulsars University of Edinburgh Eric Tittley Cosmic star formation rate from University of Edinburgh the SDSS Cluster oscillations and cold fronts Stephen Brindley Karina Caputi SETPoint West University of Edinburgh STAR WOS (Schools Travelling A deeper view of extremely red Astronomy Roadshow West of galaxies Scotland)

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Discussion Forum The Reliability of Fingerprint Identification 1 June 2004

Speakers Mr Bruce Grant ed in scientific investigations into Bruce Grant joined the Fingerprint events as diverse as the Lindbergh Bureau of the Metropolitan Police kidnapping, the Alfred Packer in 1969 and for four years from cannibalism case, the assassina- 1991 led the Operational Coun- tion of Senator Hughie Long in ter-Terrorist Fingerprint Unit, and Louisiana, the hatchet murder of then in 1996 became Head of the Bordens and the death of Metropolitan Police Service Frank Olson. Fingerprint Bureau. For the past Dr James Thorpe twelve years he has specialised in James Thorpe originally graduated counter-terrorist fingerprint In chemistry from Glasgow and casework and has been develop- then went into the field of ing a fingerprint strategy in the forensic science and took his PhD fight against international in Glasgow, having studied terrorism. He has advised in toxicology. He then moved to the Greece and Bosnia-Herzogovina Forensic Science Unit at Strath- and has received recognition both clyde University, and has been very for his long service within the influential in developing forensic Metropolitan Police and from the science in Strathclyde and in US Department of Justice Bureau Scotland generally, and he is now of Investigation. the Acting Director of the Forensic Professor James Starrs Science Unit. James Starrs is a Fellow of the Full transcripts of all presentations American Academy for Forensic are being made available on the Sciences. He is attached now to RSE Website. the Forensic Sciences Department at George Washington University, Following the presentations, there Columbian College of Arts and was a full and frank debate on Sciences, Department of Forensic current fingerprinting issues, in Science. He is the core for the Scotland and overseas. Textbook on Scientific Evidence, The event was chaired by Judge and he has directed or participat- David Edward, QC, FRSE.

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Conference Scottish Publishing 16 June 2004

The theme of this conference was how best to develop and take forward the Scottish Publishing Industry by discussing the most appropriate ways to implement the recommendations of the recently completed independent review of the Needs of Scottish Publishing in the 21st Century by consultants PriceWaterhouseCooper and Napier University, commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council. Key issues explored, from the perspectives of publishers, support agencies and writers, included the problems and opportunities facing publishing in Scotland, other countries as possible models and reflecting cultural diversity.

Speakers and Topics

The Canadian Model General’s Literary Awards, Cana- Mr Gordon Platt da’s most prestigious literary Director, Book Publishing, Policy prizes. Prior to joining the public and Programs, Canadian Heritage service in 1989, he was Executive Director of the Association of Gordon Platt is currently Director Canadian Publishers, as well as General, Publishing Policy and the Canadian Book Marketing Programs, for the Department of Centre, an industry marketing Canadian Heritage, and is respon- consortium with offices in four sible for the book, magazine and Canadian cities. Prior to this, he newspaper industries for the worked for several Canadian Canadian Government. He has magazines, including the book broad private and public sector industry trade magazine Quill & experience in publishing, and Quire. Originally from Vancouver before joining the Department of Island on Canada’s Pacific coast, Canadian Heritage, was Director, he holds a BA in Philosophy from Writing and Publishing, at the the University of Victoria and a Canada Council for the Arts, graduate degree in Philosophy where he oversaw the support from the University of Louvain, programs for writers, book and Belgium. magazine publishers, marketing programs and the Governor 184 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums

A Scottish Publishing Overview The Support Agency Perspective Mr Bob McDevitt Dr Gavin Wallace Publisher, Hodder Headline Head of Literature Section, The (Scotland) Scottish Arts Council Bob McDevitt has been working in Dr Gavin Wallace is Head of the Book industry for about 15 Literature at the Scottish Arts years, initially as a bookseller and Council, and was Literature Officer events organiser with Water- from 1997-2002. He is a gradu- stone’s. He then worked as Sales ate and postgraduate, in English Manager for Headline publishing and Scottish Literature, of the in Scotland before moving to University of Edinburgh. He has London with Headline as a Key been active in many aspects of Accounts Manager. Bob returned Scottish literature and culture as a to Scotland to take up the teacher, lecturer, critic, journalist, position of Scottish Range and editor, and broadcaster at home Marketing Manager with Ottakar’s and abroad, and was an Associate to oversee the integration of the Lecturer in Literature and the James Thin chain into the Ot- Humanities at the Open University takar’s family. Since January 2004 in Scotland from 1991-2001. He Bob has been working with has co-edited critical works on Hodder Headline. His current Scottish Fiction and Theatre, and position is split into two parts, was a co-editor of the journal firstly, looking after all aspects of Edinburgh Review. the publishing process for the Ms Liz Small existing Scottish books and Marketing Manager, Scottish authors on the Headline, Hodder Publishers Association General and John Murray lists. He is also involved with Jacket Liz Small is Member Services and Design, Marketing ideas, Events Marketing Manager for the opportunities, Sales and Promo- Scottish Publishers Association. tions. Secondly, he acts as a talent She joined the SPA in 2002 after scout and commissioning publish- working as Editor for Neil Wilson er for ideas that will work Publishing on both the fiction list, primarily in the Scottish market, 11:9, and non-fiction. Previously but will also have a life in the rest she was a director of Bloomsbury of the UK and beyond. The job Publishing Plc, and a manager at does not currently include the Pan Macmillan Ltd. In Scotland Children’s, Religious or Academic she has also worked freelance and divisions of Hodder. for Chambers and Dillons/ Waterstone’s.

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Scottish Publishing Success Stories The Government Perspective Mr Hugh Andrew Mr Frank McAveety MSP Director, Birlinn Ltd The Minister for Culture, Tourism Hugh Andrew is Managing and Sport, The Scottish Parliament Director of Birlinn Ltd, founded in Tourism, Culture and Sport 1992. The company has recently Minister, Frank McAveety is the grown through the acquisition of MSP for Glasgow Shettleston. Mr John Donald Ltd and Polygon. McAveety has specific responsibili- Birlinn is the largest publisher ty for tourism, sport, culture and extant of Scottish interest material the arts, the built heritage, and has recently grown substan- architecture, Historic Scotland and tially south of the Border and lottery. He was a Councillor for overseas with the success of Glasgow District Council from Alexander McCall Smith. 1988-95 and Glasgow City Mr Bill Campbell Council from 1995-99 and was Director, Mainstream the youngest-ever leader of the Council. Bill Campbell was born in Glas- gow in 1951. He left Kilmarnock Born in Glasgow in 1962, Mr Academy to study History at Frank McAveety obtained BA Joint Edinburgh University, graduating Honours (English and History) at in 1973. He spent the following Strathclyde University in 1983. He year at the School of Journalism at also obtained a Post Graduate the University of California before Secondary Teaching Certificate in returning to Edinburgh to 1984 from St Andrew’s College of immerse himself in written and Education. He was a secondary broadcast journalism and as school teacher from 1984-98 in Publications Manager at Edin- Glasgow and Renfrewshire. On burgh University Student the Council he was involved with Publications, forerunner to the the Arts and Culture Committee current Polygon. In 1978 he set from 1992-97 where he was up Mainstream Publishing with initially a Vice-Convenor then co-director Peter MacKenzie. progressed to be Convenor. He was Council Leader from 1997- His talk focused on looking 1999 during which time he outward. Mainstream by name, pioneered the innovative and mainstream by nature. One foot in radical strategies for new invest- Scotland, one foot on the bigger ment in the city’s schools and scale. Changes in a quarter housing stock. He is a member of century of publishing. the EIS and the Transport and General Workers Union.

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He was a Board Member of Department over the years, Glasgow Development Agency, despite limited budgets. With two Chair of Glasgow Alliance and major London publishers — Board Member of The Arches Penguin and Hodder Headline — Theatre Company and Citizen’s now appointing Scottish-based Theatre Company. He is married staff and planning to have more and has two children; one son Scottish titles on their lists, there and one daughter. is recognition that the overall London Publishing Perspective market for Scottish books is currently buoyant, and that there Ms Judy Moir is increasing interest from south Editor at Large, Penguin Books of the border in Scottish writers Judy Moir studied English at and Scottish culture as a whole. Edinburgh University and was The talk concluded with final awarded the Christie Bequest for thoughts on the international a year’s study abroad. After post- potential for Scottish books and a graduate studies and some work summary of the positive aspects of experience in the US, she returned London publishers becoming to Scotland in 1981. She was more involved in Scotland. Administrative Executive, then Academic Publishing - Case Study Director of the Scottish Publishers Association (1981-86). After the Mr Timothy Wright birth of her first child, she took up Managing Director, Edinburgh freelance work: including five University Press years part-time with Mainstream, Timothy Wright has been Manag- three years part-time with Napier ing Director of Edinburgh University as a lecturer in publish- University Press since 1998, ing, and editing for a variety of having spent twelve years with the English and Scottish publishers. Longman Publishing Group, She worked as both editorial and formerly a division of Pearson PLC, rights manager at Canongate owners of the Financial Times. He Books, and was appointed moved to Edinburgh in 1994 as Editorial Director in 2000. In 2004 Sales and Marketing Director of she took up the role of Edin- Churchill Livingstone medical burgh-based Editor-at-Large for publishers, a division of the Penguin Books. Longman Group. He has served as Ms Moir gave some brief com- Chairman of the Europe Working ments on the dynamism of the Party of the UK Publishers Associa- Scottish publishing industry over tion and is currently a member of the past twenty years or so and their International Board. He is the effective support from the Chairman of the Scottish Publish- Scottish Arts Council’s Literature ers Association, a Board member

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of the Council of Academic and moment, a shortage of publishing Professional Publishers and is a outlets. Director of the Independent Mr Gavin MacDougall Publishers Guild. Director, Luath Press Ltd Panellists Luath Press takes its name from Mr Iain MacDonald Robert Burns, whose little collie Director, The Gaelic Books Council Luath (Gael., swift or nimble) Iain MacDonald is from the island tripped up Jean Armour at a of Grimsay in North Uist and was wedding and gave him the chance educated there, in Inverness and to speak to the woman who was at Glasgow University. He worked to be his wife and the abiding at a wide variety of jobs in Uist, love of his life. Burns called one of Birmingham, Essex and Glasgow The Twa Dogs Luath after Cuchull- before joining the Civil Service in in’s hunting dog in Ossian’s London. From there he went to Fingal. Luath Press was estab- Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (the lished in 1981 in the heart of Gaelic Books Council), which is Burns country, and is now based a based in Glasgow and which few steps up the road from Burns’ provides financial assistance and first lodgings on Edinburgh’s other services to Gaelic publishers Royal Mile. Luath offers distinctive and writers. With Boyd Robert- writing with a hint of unexpected son, he has recently compiled a pleasures. Gaelic-English dictionary in the Mr James Robertson Teach Yourself series. Writer Gaelic publishing goes back to James Robertson is a writer with 1567, with the first few publica- wide experience of the book trade tions religious. As elsewhere, the in Scotland. He studied history at publication of the Bible (1801) Edinburgh Univrsity, and has gave prose a fillip, and a lively since worked as a publishers’ sales prose literature developed in representative, as a bookseller and magazines and books in the 19th bookshop manager, and as a century. But the greatest volume reviewer for various newspapers. and variety of publishing has been He was first holder of the Browns- achieved in recent decades. The bank Writing Fellowship from twentieth century was particularly 1993 to 1995, has edited numer- noted for outstanding modern ous literary and historical works, poetry. Among the difficulties are and has published two collections the small readership – although it of short stories, several works of is now being augmented by those poetry and two novels (The who have learned the language in Fanatic, 2000 and Joseph Knight, recent years – and, at this precise 2003). In 1999 he established the

188 Conferences, Workshops, Symposia, Seminars and Discussion Forums imprint Kettillonia which produces University, has published and poetry and fiction in pamphlet lectured widely on Scottish form. He lives in Angus. Literature, cultural identity and “One difficulty for many writers, modern Scottish writers. He is especially those with ‘non- Director of the cross-disciplinary commercial’ interests, is finding a Centre for Scottish Studies at way to be published on a regular Stirling and is Series Editor of the basis. In a country with as fragile a Canongate Classics. He served as literary infrastructure as Scotland’s chairman of the Scottish Book this is especially difficult. In an Trust when it became independ- ideal world writers would not ent of the Book Trust in London have to concern themselves with and has worked as a literary the mechanics of publication, judge for the Booker prize as well marketing, sales and distribution, as the McVitie’s and Stakis Prizes but the Scottish book world is not for Scottish Writer of the Year. ideal. It was to create a window, Session Chairmen however narrow, for new and Professor Gavin McCrone FRSE challenging writing, that I estab- Vice-President, The Royal Society lished Kettillonia, but even such a of Edinburgh (2002-2005) and small effort involves sacrificing Professor in Business Studies at much time which a writer should the University of Edinburgh. be spending, again in an ideal world, writing.” Mr Trevor Royle FRSE Associate Editor, The Sunday Mr Derek Rodger Herald Director, Argyll Publishing Trevor Royle is a well-known Derek Rodger is the Director of author and broadcaster specialis- Argyll Publishing, which is based ing in the history of war and in Glendaruel in Argyll. Argyll empire with a score of books to publishes General titles including his credit. His most recent book is biography, history, local books ‘Civil War: The Wars of the Three and contract publishing. Kingdoms 1638-1660’ (Little Closing Remarks by Brown) which has just been published. As a journalist he is an Professor Rory Watson FRSE associate editor of The Sunday Director, Institute for Scottish and Herald and is also a regular International Studies, University of commentator on defence matters Stirling and international affairs for the Roderick Watson: poet, critic and BBC. From 1998 to 1999 he was a Professor of literature at Stirling Visiting Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humani- ties in the University of Edinburgh.

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Discussion Forum Preserving the Values of Secular Europe in a Time of Religious Turbulence 27 September 2004

Speakers and Topics

Professor John J Haldane FRSE Dr A C Grayling Professor of Philosophy, University Reader in Philosophy, Birkbeck of St Andrews College, London The question of how to preserve The values characteristic of the the values of secular Europe in a West’s liberal democracies were time of religious turbulence has as hard won in the five centuries its counterpart that of how to following the Reformation. preserve the values of religious Understanding the threats they Europe in a time of secularisation. face is the first step to protecting Is there an opposition between them. humanist and religious ideals or do they share common values? Is traditional humanism a fruit of Europe’s Judaeo-Christian foundation, which cannot survive, let alone flourish, when severed from it?

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Conference Scotland’s Land 30 September 2004

Few things are as certain as and technological change. Such a change. It was Disraeli who said, broad topic is impossible to in a speech in Edinburgh on 29 examine thoroughly in a day, but October 1867, that ‘Change is thanks to the ingenuity of inevitable in a progressive country. speakers and participants, it Change is constant.’ would be possible to look across a Change may be constant, but its very wide range of issues, and at nature, its extent, its granularity, many scales, from microscopic to and where it might take us were global, and across the past, concerns discussed by the diverse present and future. group of participants gathered at Reflecting on the day, Professor the Royal Society of Edinburgh to Jeff Maxwell said that we were on discuss the use and management the brink of a new era, when the of Scotland’s land. The variety of vision, imagination and innovative experiences and interpretations capability of those responsible for brought to bear on the topic land use and management could provided an illuminating day, rise to the challenges and oppor- generating many answers and, tunities that markets and land quite properly, many more policies presented to them. We questions for all who took part. can unleash the wealth-creating Sir Peter Hutchison, CBE, FRSE, potential of our primary producers Chairman of the Organising within the framework of continu- Committee, introduced the ing improvements that research, conference drawing our attention technology, and science gives us, to the range of enquiry through within an appropriate reform of the day. Scotland’s land is rich and CAP, if: diverse, the landscape rugged and - use and management of the gentle, steep and flat, hard and land respects its inherent worth soft as the result of geological, and value; and biophysical processes. · local communities benefit where Thereafter the natural heritage is possible, and ownership does overlaid by cultural heritage, and not constrain development political, economic, sociological

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opportunities within these strategic enabling framework, full communities; use of our capacity for innovative · there is an acceptance of the research and technology, and the inalienable right to enjoy and integration of the needs of benefit from the exercise of different sectors and groups in responsible access; society to include local communi- ties. In his closing remarks he · the taxpayers’ contribution is made a plea for moving on from used wisely and contributes to analysis, towards implementing securing high environmental solutions by enabling those who quality; and, live and work in rural communities · bureaucracy is simplified! to secure their future, whilst also providing for those who choose To resolve the conflicting desires, to use our countryside for the and balance the economic, benefits of recreation and an environmental and social goals, enhanced quality of life, for all our Jeff stressed the need for the sakes. principles of sustainable develop- ment to be implemented. He Extracted from full report (ISBN 0 suggested this would need a 902 198 49 1), which is available on the RSE Website.

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CRF International Conference Reproductive Health 14-15 October 2004

Reproductive issues have major and death in men and women health and social consequences and are a major public health worldwide. This two-day confer- problem in the developed ence, which attracted some of the world leading international figures in · Understanding the reproduc- the field, focused on the key areas tive system and how of contraception, fertility and reproductive cancers occur is assisted conception, cancer, sexual key to finding new treatments behaviour and HIV/AIDS. · Infertility is a growing problem Key messages · Women must be encouraged · Reproductive health is of the not to delay childbirth because utmost importance at a global, fertility diminishes throughout national and individual level their 20s then decreases · There is real need for new dramatically from the age of 35 contraceptive methods that are · Current assisted reproductive easier to use, more effective treatments are expensive, and safer than existing meth- access to them is poor and ods cannot overcome the decline in · There are a number of promis- fertility with age ing avenues for developing · By enabling avoidance of new contraceptives, but these unplanned pregnancy in HIV- will stall without funding, infected women, determination and political will contraception is an important · Any new method will also have way of stopping transmission to have additional health of the virus from mother to benefits such as protection infant from reproductive cancers or · Scientists are hopeful that HIV treatments such as microbicidal · Reproductive cancers (including gels to help reduce the risk of cervical, breast, ovarian, HIV transmission will soon be testicular and prostate cancers) available are a serious cause of illness

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· Vaccines to protect against the · However spectacular the virus associated with cervical scientific advances, much of cancer (HPV) and genital warts reproductive health depends are at an exciting stage of on human behaviour and on development the political will and economic · Although men and women are capacity to deliver services having sex earlier and with Extracted from full report (ISBN more people, the abortion rate 0 902 198 24 6), which is availa- has remained relatively stable ble on the RSE Website.

194 PUBLICATIONS Proceedings A: Mathematics Royal Society of Edinburgh Six issues were published: Parts Review of Session 2004 (Session 133.6(2003) to 134.5(2004 2002- 2003) inclusive. Other Publications Transactions: Earth Sciences RSE Annual Review 2003-2004. Four issues were published: Volumes 93.4(2002) and volumes A Resource to be Harnessed - 94.1, 94.2 and 94.3(2003). Report of an RSE Symposium (held Volume 94.3 was a special issue January 2004). entitled CheliceratePaleobiology Fishing Inquiry Report and and Evolution, comprising 9 Summary: Inquiry into the Future papers. of the Scottish Fishing Industry ReSourcE : Issues 8, 9 and 10. (published March 2004). Royal Society of Edinburgh Scotland’s Obesity Epidemic - Directory 2004 (Session 2003- Report of Young People’s Discus- 2004) sion Forum (held June 2003).

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THE SCOTTISH SCIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Scottish Science Advisory Over the past year, the SSAC Committee (SSAC) was estab- produced two key reports: lished in May 2002 to provide Why Science Education Matters: independent advice to the Supporting and Improving Science Scottish Executive Ministers on Education in Scottish Schools strategic scientific issues. The Scottish Science Advisory Commit- Provision of a modern and tee, chaired by Professor Wilson relevant science education is an Sibbett, Wardlaw Professor of underpinning factor in the Physics at the University of St development of Scotland’s Andrews, is an independent voice knowledge economy, educational for science in Scotland. systems and society as a whole. The Scottish Science Advisory The Committee is uniquely placed Committee (SSAC) believes that to take a broad overview of the there is an urgent need to diverse scientific landscape in improve science education in Scotland and it would wish to Scottish schools and that the place this within an international Scottish Executive must regard this perspective. It will take a medium as a matter of high priority. to long-term, horizon-scanning and strategic view in formulating The twenty-three recommenda- its advice on science strategy, tions in the report, aimed science policies and science primarily at the Scottish Executive, priorities – with an overall aim of call for: improving the social, environmen- - A comprehensive programme tal and economic prosperity of of curriculum change; Scotland. - Investment in state-of-the-art During the period of this Review infrastructure; the Council of the Royal Society of - Recognition of the importance Edinburgh refreshed the member- of technology and technical ship of the SSAC following a skills; wide, open and rigorous applica- tion and appointment process. - The co-ordination and im- The Committee represents a proved connectivity of science breadth of expertise and experi- education support activities; ence, and it is intended that the - Mechanisms to address the SSAC will be well placed to challenge of producing a provide expert advice across a cohort of high-quality science number of relevant policy areas. teachers for the future: and - A directed programme of research in science education

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Why Science Matters: making the that Scotland is more able to right connections for Scotland realise its full potential in all The Scottish Science Advisory sectors of its scientific endeavours. Committee’s (SSAC) vision for The key recommendations in this science in Scotland is one where report, aimed primarily at the all aspects of science activity are Scottish Executive, called for: connected optimally, with interna- - Optimisation of the science tional excellence being a targeted base; and achievable goal. Scotland already has a number of interna- - Support for the outstanding tionally recognised strengths, but talent in the science base; to deliver the best outputs from - A significant reshaping of the these activities requires the Scottish science base; investment of significant effort - Resources to allow the simulta- and resource to harvest the added neous pursuit of excellence in value that better connectivity can research and the nurturing of deliver. There is evidence of a knowledge transfer activities; willingness of the science-based communities to work together, - Improved access to, and but the SSAC’s vision is that a engagement with, the science more comprehensive co-ordina- base in Scotland. tion can be put in place to ensure

Further information about the SSAC and copies of the Reports can be found at www.scottishscience.org.uk

198 SSAC

Scottish Science Advisory Committee - Members

Professor Wilson Sibbett CBE, FRS, Professor Peter Morgan FRSE FRSE (Chair) Professor Richard Morris FMedSci, Professor Steven Beaumont OBE, FRS, FRSE CEng, MIEE, FRSE Dr John Nicholls Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE, Professor Stuart Reid MRCVS, FGS, FRS, FRSE FRSE Professor Muffy Calder FIEE, FRSE Professor Jonathan Seckl FRCPE, Professor Sir Kenneth Calman FMedSci, FRSE KCB, FRCS, FRCP, FMedSci FRSE Dr Barbara Spruce MRCP Professor John Coggins FRSE Professor Joyce Tait Professor Julie Fitzpatrick MRCVS Professor Chris van der Kuyl FRSE Professor Peter Grant FREng, FRSE, Eur Ing Graham Wren FIEE, FIEEE Dr Stuart Monro CGeol., FGS, ILTM, FRSSA

Scottish Science Advisory Committee - Staff

Dr Avril Davidson, Head of Ms Tracy Rickard, PA/Administrator Secretariat

SSAC Staff are employed by the RSE.

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EVIDENCE, ADVICE AND COMMENT The Society submitted evidence, advice and comment on the following reports during the Session:

November 2003 Constitutional Reform Bill. The The Practicalities of Developing House of Lords Renewable Energy. The House of Preparing a new GB strategy on Lords Science and Technology bovine tuberculosis. Scottish Committee Executive Environment and Rural December 2003 Affairs Department Inquiry into the Promotion of May 2004 Scotland Worldwide. Scottish Code of Practice for the Use of Parliament European and External Human Stem Cell Lines. Medical Relations Committee Research Council January 2004 RAE 2008 Panel configuration CAP Reform: Opportunities for and recruitment. UK Funding Scotland. Scottish Executive Councils Environment and Rural Affairs Human Reproductive Technolo- Department gies and the Law. House of February 2004 Commons Science and Technolo- gy Committee Draft Strategy of the National Library of Scotland. The National June 2004 Library of Scotland Draft guidelines on credit-transfer Inquiry into Renewable Energy in within the Scottish Credit and Scotland. Scottish Parliament Qualifications Framework. The Enterprise and Culture Committee Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework March 2004 July 2004 Modernising the Policy for Decommissioning the UK’s Developing a UK sustainable Nuclear Facilities. Department of development strategy together. Trade and Industry Scottish Executive Environment Group April 2004 Developing a Strategic Framework Science and Innovation - Working for Scotland’s Marine Environ- towards a 10-year investment ment. Scottish Executive framework. HM Treasury, Depart- Environment Group ment of Trade and Industry & Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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Merger of the Scottish Further September 2004 Education Funding Council and Strategy for Agricultural, Biologi- the Scottish Higher Education cal and Related Research. Scottish Funding Council. Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Executive Enterprise and Lifelong Affairs Department Learning Department 2008 Research Assessment 7th EU R&D Framework Pro- Exercise: Nomination of Panel gramme. Department of Trade Members. UK Funding Councils and Industry October 2004 August 2004 Inquiry into the Scientific Aspects UK contingency plan for the of Ageing. House of Lords possible emergence of naturally occurring BSE in sheep. Scottish Choosing the future: genetics and Executive Environment and Rural reproductive decision-making. Affairs Department Human Genetics Commission: Draft Charities and Trustee Inquiry into Forensic Science. Investments (Scotland) Bill. House of Commons Scottish Executive Development Investing in Water Services. Department Scottish Executive Environment Group Paying For Water Services. Scot- tish Executive Environment Group

202 INQUIRIES During the 2003-2004 Session The report was widely covered in the RSE completed its inquiry into local and national media outlets the future of the Scottish Fishing and welcomed by many represent- Industry. The report noted that a atives of the fishing industry and secure and sustainable future for the Scottish Executive. the Scottish fishing industry was The Committee was also invited to achievable, but not without a long give a presentation on the report term view being taken and to the Fisheries Committee of the important changes being made to European Parliament in Brussels, both policy and management. which was well received, and In its 35 recommendations it followed by constructive and covered the operation of the helpful discussion with the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Commission. science of stock assessment and The Committee’s report is availa- the management of fisheries ble on the RSE Website, and in policy. It also outlined measures to hard copy from the RSE. help the industry and fishery dependent communities.

203

EVENTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Talk Science school visits

8 December 2003. Serpents and munity School, Strontian. Talks Synthesisers by Murray Campbell for school students and the local at Grangemouth High School. community. 16 December 2003. DNA profiling 8 June 2004. Maths Matters by and its use in famous cases by Dr Dr Bruce Davies at Selkirk High Adrian Linacre at James-Watt School. College Greenock campus and Kilwinning campus, North 26 August 2004. Chemistry is Ayreshire, for local school stu- Magic by Dr Christine Davidson at dents. Wellington Academy, Ayr. 15 & 17 December 2003. Death, 15 & 16 September 2004. Drugs and Dynamite! by Dr Allan Throwing Light on the Human Jamieson at James-Watt College, Genome by Professor Wendy Greenock campus and Kilwinning Bickmore at 4 Schools in Aber- campus, North Ayreshire for local deenshire, as part of TechFest. students. 16 September 2004. Lasing 21 January 2004. A Guided Tour Down the Internet by Professor of the Universe by Professor Henry Thomas Krauss at Bell Baxter High Ellington at Tobermory High School, Cupar, Fife. School, Isle of Mull. 25 October 2004. Setting Sail for 3 March 2004. Chemistry, Colour Orbit by Dr Colin McInnes at Largs and Magic by Dr Christine Academy, Ayrshire. Davidson at Stranraer Academy. Christmas Lectures 16 & 17 March 2004. From Black 8 December 2003. Black Holes Holes to Big Bangs by Dr Alan and White Rabbits by Professor Heavens. Talks for schools and a John Brown FRSE, Astronomer talk for the public as part of the Royal for Scotland, at Inverness Science 04 Festival at Wick and Royal Academy. There was a talk Thurso High Schools. As part of for local school students as well as National Science Week. a talk for the general public. 22 March 2004. Death, Drugs Professor Brown’s entertaining and Dynamite! by Dr Allan talk used magic to explain the Jamieson at Springburn Academy, science of black holes and how a Glasgow. universe might be born. 28 May 2004. Captain Cook and the Cosmic Yardstick by Dr Martin Hendry at Ardnamurchan Com-

205 Review of the Session 2003-2004

RSE Roadshow Summer School Workshops and talks for primary 2 - 6 August 2004. In partnership and secondary students, as well as with Heriot-Watt University, the public. supported by Edinburgh City, East 26-28 October 2003. Arbroath Lothian and Midlothian Councils Academy cluster group, Angus. Workshops and talks on science, 15 &16 March 2004. Portree technology and maths subjects, High School cluster group, Isle of but also on transferable skills and Skye. As part of National Science advice for those not sure about Week. continuing into higher education. Discussion Forum Maths Masterclasses 16 June 2004. Energy Crisis: what Saturday morning games and are the alternatives? At the puzzles for P6/7 students to University of Glasgow Crighton encourage an interest in mathe- University Campus, Dumfries. matics. S5/6 students from Dumfries and Aberdeen City Council Galloway heard from the experts 18 September 2004 and made up their own minds as 2 October 2004 to how Scotland should proceed University of Dundee to ensure that in 2020 the required 40% of electricity will be 1 May 2004 from renewable sources. In 8 May 2004 addition to electricity, they 15 May 2004 considered how we could fulfill 22 May 2004 our future transport and heating Kirkliston Primary School energy needs. The students’ 8 November 2003 proposals have complied in a 15 November 2003 report, which has been published 22 November 2003 and distributed to 29 November 2003 decision-making bodies including Scottish and UK governments. High School of Glasgow Copies of the report can be 17 January 2004 downloaded from the RSE web 24 January 2004 site. 31 January 2004 7 February 2004

206 Young People

Startup Science Masterclasses Heriot-Watt University These sets of four Saturday 1 November 2003 morning hands-on workshops for 8 November 2003 S1/2 students continue to be 15 November 2003 popular, with many sets being 22 November 2003 well oversubscribed. 24 April 2004 University of St Andrews 1 May 2004 1 November 2003 8 May 2004 8 November 2003 22 May 2004 22 November 2003 Young People’s Committee 29 November 2003 Awards 24 April 2004 2 September 2004 1 May 2004 Awards were presented at a 8 May 2004 reception hosted by the President 15 May 2004 to those who have made an extra- University of Dundee ordinary voluntary contribution to 8 November 2003 the Young People’s Activities. 22 November 2003 2004 Awardees: 6 December 2003 · Dr Allan Jamieson 13 December 2003 The Forensic Institute 8 May 2004 · Dr Greig Chisholm 15 May 2004 Ciba Specialty Chemicals 22 May 2004 5 June 2004 · Dr Chris Baddeley University of St Andrews University of Glasgow · Dr Lindsay Fletcher 22 November 2003 University of Glasgow 29 November 2003 6 December 2003 · Dr Hilary-Kay Young 13 December 2003 University of Dundee 24 April 2004 1 May 2004 8 May 2004 15 May 2004

207

RESEARCH AND ENTERPRISE AWARDS The following awards were made in Session 2003/04 :

RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS Scottish Executive : Personal BP : Personal Dr Richard Blythe. The Statistical Dr Benjamin Hourahine. Modern Physics of Nonequilibrium Theory for Optoelectronics Phenomena. School of Physics, Materials. Department of Physics, University of Edinburgh University of Strathclyde Dr Timothy Drysdale. Micro CRF : Personal Antennae for Terahertz Endo- scope. Department of Electronics Dr Graham Rena. Biochemistry & Electrical Engineering, University and cellular biology of FOXO of Glasgow transcription factors. Division of Pathology & Neuroscience, Dr Annette MacLeod. Human Ninewells Hospital & Medical infectivity in African trypano- School, University of Dundee. somes: a genetic and population based approach. Wellcome Dr Rainer Breitling. Representa- Centre for Mollecular Parasitology, tion and exploitation of diverse University of Glasgow. biological evidence in a systems biology context. Plant Sciences Scottish Executive : Support Group, Institute of Biomedical & Prof Mark Ainsworth, FRSE. Life Sciences, University of Glas- Discontinuous-Continuous gow. Computational Models for Lloyds TSB Foundation for Structural masonry. Department Scotland : Personal of Mathematics, University of Strathclyde. Dr Ashley Craig. The role of Chk2 in mammalian ageing. CRUK Dr Jacques Fleuriot. Formal Cancer Centre, University of Verification of Air Traffic Manage- Edinburgh. ment Algorithms. School of Informatics, University of Edin- Dr Anna Dickinson. Why do older burgh people get flummoxed by com- puters? Investigation into Dr Catherine Jones. Identification development of home-based of genes influencing Gyrodactylus communication application. salaris ectoparasite resistance in Division of Applied Computing, Atlantic salmon. School of University of Dundee. Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen.

209 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Scottish Executive : Teaching Engineering, University of Strath- Ms Anne Lawson, Tobermory High clyde. School, Isle of Mull. The Forestry Dr Alan Feighery. SOFCRoll Fuel Commission. Cell. University of St Andrews. Ms Karen McNish, George Heriot’s Dr Susanne Olsen. Hybrid School, Edinburgh. Moredun Membrane Separation System. Research Institute. School of Engineering, The Robert Mr Iain McGregor, Monifieth High Gordon University School, Angus. Scottish Natural Food and Drink Heritage. Dr KC Namkung. Innovative ENTERPRISE FELLOWSHIPS Water Cleanup – Advanced Fenton Technology. University of Abertay, PPARC Dundee. Dr Chris Doran. A User-Friendly Optical Sensor System for Hostile Life Sciences Environments. GA Solutions – Dr Paul Ajuh. Discovery and Revolutionising Geometry. development of lead compounds Mr Ian Latham. Aluminium for use as anti-fungal drugs based mirrors for gamma ray telescopes on novel RNA splicing protein and renewable energies. Universi- targets. University of Dundee. ty of Durham. Dr Lindsay Cairns. Peptide Scottish Enterprise Immunotherapy to suppress the immune response to blood group Communications Technologies antigens. University of Aberdeen Mr Nandaraj Hosabettu. Auto- Microelectronics matic Cable Fault Locator. Signal Processing Division, University of Dr Ian Apple. Silver Nanoparticles Strathclyde. and SERRS Diagnostic Systems Department. of Pure and Applied Electronics Chemistry, University of Strath- Mr Ralf Klinnert. A fun outdoor clyde. activity game for children to Optoelectronics stimulate physical activity. School of Engineering, Napier University. Dr Rayne Longhurst. Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Energy (MIP) sensors for Environmental Mr Matthias Dürr. Scottish Fuel Applications. School of Engineer- Cell Consortium Ltd. Institute of ing, The Robert Gordon University, Energy and Environment, Depart- Aberdeen. ment of Electronic and Electrical

210 Research and Enterprise Awards

Dr Martin O’Dwyer. Optical Biopsy Mr Ben Panter. Star Formation System for Photo Diagnosis of and Metallicity History of the SDSS Cancer. Department of Physics & galaxy survey. Institute for Astronomy, University of Glasgow Astronomy, University of Edin- Mr Andrew J. Willshire. Remote burgh. Monitoring & control of electrical Undergraduate Prize 2003 submersible pumps using sensor (Shared) technology. University of Strath- Ms Nicola Armstrong. Solar clyde. Coronal Heating – Nanoflares. RESEARCH STUDENTSHIPS School of Maths & Statistics, Lloyds TSB Foundation for University of St Andrews. Scotland Ms Isla Simpson. Accretion onto Mr Charles Duffy. Neuromuscular stellar magnetospheres: Feeding Adaptations to Innovative Exercise Young Suns. Department of programmes for Improving Physics & Astronomy, University of Functional Abilities in Older St Andrews. people. Department of Applied Vacation Research Scholarships Physiology, University of Strath- 2004 clyde. Mr Thomas Barber. The Age of Miss Beth Wilson. Remembering Galaxies. Institute for Astronomy, the self: Autobiographical Royal Observatory, University of memory in an ageing population. Edinburgh. Department of Psychology, Ms Ruth Carr. Determination of University of Dundee. the Origin of Coronal Loop RESEARCH WORKSHOPS Oscillations. School of Maths & Wellcome Trust Statistics, University of St An- drews. Dr David Donaldson. Getting the most from neuroimaging: devel- Mr Mark Douglas. The Magnetic oping standards, protocols and Structure of the Solar Corona. best practice for event-related School of Maths & Statistics, potential studies of human University of St Andrews. cognition. Department of Mr Matthew Lee. Shell Properties Psychology, University of Stirling of Detached Shell Stars. School of PRIZES AND SCHOLARSHIPS Physics & Astronomy, University of St Andrews. Cormack Mr Stuart Lynn. Irradiation of Postgraduate Prize 2003 Accretion Disks near Black Holes. Department of Physics & Astrono- my, University of Edinburgh.

211 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Ms Rowan Smith. The Effects of Mr Blair Fyffe. Fracture properties Supernovae on the Interstellar of snow. Institute for Snow, Medium: Linking Theory and Davos, Switzerland. University of Observations. Department of Edinburgh. Physics & Astronomy, University of Dr Darren Graham. The Applica- St Andrews. tion Of Lean Methods To Lessells Travel Scholarships Construction Project Planning. Mr Robert Currie. Active Man- University of California at Berkeley, agement of Distributed and USA. University of Edinburgh. Renewable Generation in Distri- Miss Natalie O V Plank. Carbon bution Networks. nanotubes for nanoscale electron- Massachusetss Institute of ics. The University of Edinburgh. Technology, USA. University of In collaboration with NEC Funda- Strathclyde. mental and Environmental Mr Joseph Emans. Vibration Research Laboratories, Japan. enhanced drilling – Experimental Ms Jana Urban. Tools for Person- and Analytical methods. Terralog’s alised Multimedia Information offices, California, USA Terratek Management. University of test facilities, Utah, USA. Universi- Illinois, USA. University of Glas- ty of Aberdeen. gow.

212 Research and Enterprise Awards

Research Fellows in Post During the Session

RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS Dr Sonja Franke-Arnold, Depart- BP : Personal ment of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde Dr Matthew Costen, Department of Chemistry, Heriot-Watt Univer- Dr Nikolaj Gadegaard, Centre for sity Cell Engineering, University of Glasgow Dr Benjamin Hourahine, Depart- ment of Physics, University of Dr Alun Hubbard, Department of Strathclyde Geography, University of Edin- burgh Dr Patrik Ohberg, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde Dr Nigel M Kelly, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University Dr Darrel A Swift, Department of of Edinburgh Geography and Topographic Science, University of Glasgow Dr Linda A Kirstein, School of Geoscience, University of Edin- Lloyds TSB Foundation for burgh Scotland : Personal Dr Gail McConnell, Centre for Dr Ashley L Craig, CRUK Cancer Biophotonics, Strathclyde Institute Centre, University of Edinburgh for Biomedical Sciences, University Dr Margaret Lai, Endocrinology of Strathclyde Unit, University of Edinburgh Dr Paul McKenna, Department of Dr Val Mann, Scottish Mechan- Physics, University of Strathclyde otransduction Consortium, Dr Abbie Mclaughlin, Department University of Edinburgh Medical of Chemistry, University of School Aberdeen Dr Heather Wilkinson, Centre for Dr David F Manlove, Department Research on Families & Relation- of Computing Science, University ships, Edinburgh University of Glasgow Scottish Executive : Personal Dr Jason Smith, Department of Dr David Andrew, Institute of Material, University of Oxford Biomedical & Life Sciences, Scottish Executive : Support University of Glasgow Dr Ian Philip Gent, School of Dr Kirsten S. Dickson, Department Computer Science, University of St of Neuroscience, University of Andrews Edinburgh

213 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Professor Desmond J Higham, Life Sciences Department of Mathematics, Mr Paul Ajuh, School of Life University of Strathclyde Sciences, University of Dundee Dr David Hutchings, Department Dr Alison Blackwell, Institute of of Electronics & Electrical Engi- Cell Biology, University of Edin- neering, University of Glasgow burgh Dr Xavier Lambin, School of Dr Lindsay Cairns, Department of Biological Science, University of Medicine & Therapeutics, Universi- Aberdeen ty of Aberdeen Dr Colin R Pulham, School of Microelectronics Chemistry, University of Edinburgh Dr Ian Apple, Department of Pure ENTERPRISE FELLOWSHIPS & Applied Chemistry, University of PPARC Strathclyde Dr Christopher Doran, Astrophys- Yinshui Xia, School of Engineer- ics Group, University of ing, Napier University Cambridge Optoelectronics Mr Ian Latham, Department of Dr Rayne Longhurst, CREDO, The Physics, Durham University Robert Gordon University Scottish Enterprise Dr Martin O’Dwyer, University of Communication Technologies Glasgow Mr Nandaraj Hosabettu, Dept of Mr Keith Symington, Heriot-Watt Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University University of Strathclyde Mr Andrew Willshire, Institute for Electronics Energy and Environment, Universi- Mr Danny Rafferty, Department of ty of Strathclyde Health and Social Care, Glasgow Software Caledonian University Dr Sabrina Malpede, SMAR-Azure Energy Ltd Mr Matthias Durr, University of RESEARCH STUDENTSHIPS Strathclyde, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Dr Alan Feighery, Room 127 Scotland School of Chemistry, University of Mr Stephen H Butler, Department St Andrews of Psychology, University of Ms Susanne Olsen, Clear Process Glasgow Ltd.

214 Research and Enterprise Awards

Ms Janine M Cooper, S2 Depart- Mr Alan Gow, Dept of Psychology, ment of Psychology, University of University of Edinburgh Aberdeen Ms Carly S Rivers, Department of Paula Cox, Department of Psychol- Clinical Neurosciences, Western ogy, University of Aberdeen General Hospital Mr Charles Duffy, Dept of Applied Ms Beth Wilson, Dept of Psycholo- Physiology, University of Strath- gy, University of Dundee clyde Ms Claire Fitzsimmons, Geriatric Medicine, University of Edinburgh

215

MEDALS, PRIZES AND PRIZE LECTURESHIPS David Anderson-Berry Medal drews, in recognition of his no award made outstanding contribution to the public understanding of science in Bicentenary Medals his lithium battery work. 8th Award 2004 Makdougall Brisbane Prize Professor John S Beck, FRSE Professor John Laver, CBE, FBA, 70th Award 2003. Dr James FRSE Wright. School of Mathematics, The Rt Hon Lord Ross, PC, FRSE University of Edinburgh, for his outstanding contribution to the BP Prize Lecture in the Humani- mathematical analysis of general- ties ised and singular Radon 7th Award 2003. Dr Rebecca transforms. Kay. Department of Central and Royal Medals, 5th Award 2004 East European Studies at the University of Glasgow, in recogni- Life Sciences : Professor Sir Philip tion of her contribution to the Cohen FRS, FRSE, for his outstand- Humanities in Scotland. The Prize ing contribution to Life Sciences. Lecture is due to be delivered at Sir Philip’s discoveries in the role the RSE on Monday 5 September of protein phosphorylation and its 2005. deregulation in major diseases, particularly diabetes, have led to CRF Prize Lecture the development of a new 14th Award 2004. Joan scientific investigation and also to Bakewell CBE. Broadcaster and the development of new thera- writer, London. peutic drugs. Gannochy Award for Innova- Humanities and Social Sciences : tion Professor Sir Neil MacCormick FRSE, FBA, QC, for his outstanding 2nd Award 2004. Dr Ian Under- contribution to academic life in wood FRSE, MicroEmissive Scotland and internationally, Displays Ltd and University of particularly in the field of legal Edinburgh, for his miniature philosophy. optical displays technology. Physical and Engineering Gunning Victoria Jubilee Prize Sciences : Professor Robin Milner Lectureship FRS, FRSE, for his outstanding 31st Award 2004. Professor contributions to software engi- Peter Bruce FRSE. School of neering which have changed the Chemistry, University of St An- face of modern computer science.

217

GRANTS COMMITTEE The Grants Committee considered 28 applications and a sum of £14,890 was awarded to 25 applicants. Approximately 65% of this sum was awarded as travel assistance.

Travel Assistance Professor J Webb, for travel to Professor J Connolly, for travel to Pomona, California. £605 Tanzania. £900 Professor G Wiener, for travel to Professor G Donaldson, for travel Chengdu, China. £900 to New Delhi and Mumbai, India. Research Visitor to Scotland £900 Professor J C Brown, to enable Dr Professor J C Eilbeck, for travel to Astrid Veronig to visit the Depart- Lyon. £175 ment of Physics and Astronomy at Professor H Giegerich, for travel to the University of Glasgow from Hyderabad. £900 Karl-Franzens-Universitat Graz, Austria. £600 Professor M D Houslay, for travel to Montreal, Canada. £900 Professor A P Cracknell, to enable Professor Clive Fraser to visit Professor J Howie, for travel to Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh Ekaterinburg, Russia. £500 and Glasgow Universities from the Dr M R W Johnson, for travel to Department of Genomics, Univer- Nepal. £900 sity of Melbourne, Australia. £450 Professor E W Laing, for travel to Professor J C Eilbeck, to enable Lisbon, Portugal. £350 Professor V Z Enolskii to visit Heriot-Watt University from the Professor J McGeough, for travel Institute of Metal Physics, Kiev. to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. £500 £600 Professor A Robertson, for travel Support for Meetings to Thessaloniki, Greece. £500 Professor C Davies, for the Professor M Thomas, for travel to Scottish Universities Summer North Queensland, Australia. School in Physics. £600 £900 Professor T Ingold, for Creativity Professor R Watling, for travel to and Cultural Improvisation. £600 Guranaree and Chiang Mai, Thailand. £250 Professor S Kuksin, for Statistical Mechanics: A conference in Professor G A Watson, for travel Honour of the 75th Birthday of to Chalkis, Greece. £500 Oliver Penrose FRS FRSE. £600

219 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Professor P S Maitland, for the Auber Bequest Award International Symposium on the To Professor Elliot Leader for the Conservation and Management of second year of his Auber Award, Arctic Charr. £600 to continue his research at CERN, Professor J McGeough, for the Geneva, and the Bulgarian 14th International Symposium on Academy of Sciences in Sofia. Electromachining (ISEM). £600 £1000 Professor A Read, for The Contri- Support for Publication bution of Genetics to the Study of No awards made this session Parasitic Protozoa meeting. £560 Professor K Smith, for the Interna- tional Workshop on Radiation Imaging Detectors. £600

220 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME International Exchanges Bilateral (travel to China) During the last Session, the Dr Xiaoying Liang, University of International Exchange Pro- Paisley gramme was launched. The Dr Grahame Oliver, University of St programme is growing steadily Andrews following an initial slow start due to travel restrictions to Asia and Bilateral (travel to Poland) lack of knowledge of the pro- Dr David McKee, University of gramme. There are three bilateral Strathclyde programmes in place, following Bilateral (travel from Poland) the signature of Memoranda of Understanding with the Chinese Professor Wojciech Adamski, Academy of Sciences (to member hosted by Professor Andrew institutes), the Polish Academy of Hardcastle, University of Paisley Sciences and the National Science Professor Radoslaw Pytlak, hosted Council of Taiwan. During the by Dr Jacek Gondzio, University of Session an Open programme was Edinburgh launched to allow travel to other destinations not covered by the Professor Krystian Wojaczek, bilateral agreements, or to receive hosted by Dr Esther Reed, Univer- visiting researchers. sity of St Andrews The following awards were made Professor Jozef Niznik, hosted by in 2003-2004: (the late) Professor George Blazyca (died March 2005), University of Bilateral (travel to Taiwan) Paisley Dr Linda Kirstein, University of Dr Edyta Supinska-Polit, hosted by Edinburgh Dr Annette Carruthers, University Professor John Simmons, Heriot- of St Andrews Watt University Dr Andrezj Pacak, hosted by Dr Jim Ritchie, Heriot-Watt University Christophe Lacomme, Scottish (travelled in place of Dr D Clark) Crop Research Institute Dr David Dorrell, University of Dr Magdalena Gawin and Dr Glasgow Katarzyne Sierakowska, hosted by Dr Steve Sturdy, University of Bilateral (travel from Taiwan) Edinburgh Dr Fang-Pang Lin, hosted by Dr Jessica Chen-Burger, University of Edinburgh

221 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Open (travel from Armenia) (travel to Australia) Dr Astghik Pepoyan hosted by Dr Professor Marcel Jaspars, Universi- Rustam Aminov, Rowett Research ty of Aberdeen Institute Professor Mary Ann Lumsden, (travel from Argentina) University of Glasgow Dr Rita Ulloa, hosted by Dr Mark (travel from Australia) Taylor, Scottish Crop Research Institute Professor Keith Crews, hosted by Professor Ban Seng Choo, Napier (travel from Brazil) University Dr Ary Oliveria-Filho, hosted by Dr (travel to France) Toby Pennington, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Dr Ingela Johannson, University of Glasgow; (travel from Germany) (travel to India) Dr Gunnar Hornig, hosted by Professor Eric Priest FRS, University Dr Matthew Schwartz, University of St Andrews of Edinburgh; (travel from Hong Kong) (travel to New Zealand) Dr John Shi hosted by Dr Jane Dr Guy Bewick, University of Drummond, University of Glasgow Aberdeen (travel from The Netherlands) (travel to USA) Dr Anne Keegan, hosted by Dr Dr Vera Thoss, Macaulay Institute Helen Francis, Napier University Dr Kevin Hammond, University of (travel from Thailand) St Andrews Dr Krongkarn Chootip, hosted by Dr Helen Minnis, University of Professor Alison Gurney, Universi- Glasgow ty of Strathclyde (travel from USA) Events and Visits Dr Edward Radstetter, hosted by A report of the Stem Cell Discus- Dr Martin Sommerkorn, The sion Forum held at Scotland Macaulay Institute House in Brussels in October Dr Vasudevan Lakshminarayan, 2003 has been published. hosted by Professor Daphne The pilot phase of the Voyages of McCulloch, Glasgow Caledonian Discovery project has been University completed. Two successful tours were run in November 2003 and January 2004 on the respective

222 International

themes of Energy and Life Scienc- Activities Manager), visited Beijing es. These tours were organised by in March 2004. The delegation a partnership of the Royal Society covered the following disciplines: of Edinburgh, Scottish Develop- - Botany ment International, British Council Scotland and Universities Scot- - Plant genetics land. Senior R&D managers from - Optoelectronics large multinational companies - Nutrition and Human health were invited to visit Scotland to (especially with respect to meet researchers and see facilities diabetes) at different institutions through- out the country. It is hoped that - Nanotechnology research collaborations and - Science Policy strategic partnerships will result from the initial contacts made - Public Understanding of during the tours. Depending on Science future resources, this project will Following a two-day seminar continue to organise similar tours. entitled Sino-Scottish Science: The Society hosted a meeting with Sharing Ideas, the delegation the UK Research Office to discuss divided into two groups and the implications of consent visited various institutes during agreements and intellectual the remainder of the week to property rights within consortia identify areas where there was involved in EU Framework 6 potential mutual benefit in research projects in November developing bilateral collaboration. 2003. These included: Institute of Physics, Institute of Semiconduc- In August 2003, the Vice-Presi- tors, Institute of Botany, Beijing dent of the Chinese Academy of Botanical Garden, Institute of Sciences, Professor Chen Zhu, Genetics and Developmental visited Edinburgh with a delega- Biology, China Museum of Science tion of botanists, invited to the UK and Technology, Institute of by the Royal Society of London, Chemistry, Institute of Geology and while at the Royal Society of and Geophysics and Beijing No. Edinburgh, invited a delegation of 80 High School. Scottish researchers to visit China to map out the potential for The Royal Society of Edinburgh future collaboration. and the Chinese Academy of Sciences signed a Memorandum A delegation of nine Scottish of Understanding in March 2002. researchers, accompanied by The agreement provided for a Michael White, (International programme of exchange visits between Scotland and China at

223 Review of the Session 2003-2004

postdoctoral level. It is expected Each participant made a presenta- that this exchange programme tion about the research going on will develop further following this in their own research area in their visit. home institution and additional A seminar, Improving science inputs were made by established communication: as simple as senior UK researchers. In addition possible, was held at the Society’s to the workshop sessions, there Rooms and was organised by the were three half-days of profes- British Council and directed by sional visits to Dundee, Edinburgh BBC science presenter, Quentin and Glasgow to meet with Cooper. Thirty three participants relevant researchers and visit from 20 countries, including research facilities. The partici- Michael White, RSE International pants also enjoyed a social Activities Manager and Dr Harinee programme which included a Selvadurai, RSE Education Manag- Ministerial dinner at Edinburgh er, took part. This seminar was Castle and a visit to the Royal held during the Edinburgh Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This International Science Festival to event was organised by the enable participants to take part in Scottish Executive, British Council events at the Festival as well as the and RSE. workshop sessions at the RSE. The Scottish Executive organised a Subsequently, the participants season of events, Scotland in the have formed a web-based e- Netherlands 2004. The RSE was network to keep in touch. invited to organise a one-day To welcome people from the meeting similar to the event held Eastern European Accession during the Scotland in Sweden States, which joined the European season in 2002. The theme of Union on 1 May 2004, Crossroads this symposium was brain science. for Ideas - a series of UK-wide The event was organised with the events were organised to cover a Royal Netherlands Academy for range of subjects. The Scottish Arts and Sciences and was held at element was a biosciences the Academy’s 17th century workshop, held at the Ballathie headquarters in the centre of House Hotel, near Perth. The Amsterdam. This top-level objective of the workshop was to scientific meeting brought identify areas where there was together scientists from Scotland potential mutual benefit in and the Netherlands to stimulate collaboration. Eight young discussion and identify possible postdoctoral scientists from the research collaboration in the UK met with eight from the future. Professor Richard Morris Accession States (one from each). also gave a public lecture on How

224 International

Brain Science could transform our al. The first issue was launched at lives in the 21st Century. A report the annual meeting of the of the event is available on the American Association for the RSE website. Advancement of Science, held in Visitors have been received from Seattle in February 2004. The the Technical University of Lodz, second issue was published to the Chinese Academy of Forestry, coincide with the Tartan Day the National Science Council of events held in New York at the Taiwan, the Royal Irish Academy beginning of April. (the President), and the Royal This publication will appear in Swedish Academy of Sciences. different formats; paper, electroni- The Polish Minister for Europe cally, CD-ROM and web site (http:/ (and subsequently nominated /www.sciencescotland.org). This European Commissioner) Profes- publication features the best of sor Danuta Hübner delivered the science and technology in Scot- Society’s Edinburgh Lecture land with the objective to raise (reported elsewhere). Visitors awareness to an international from the Polish Academy of audience, using the global Sciences and the National Natural networks of the partner organisa- Science Foundation of China were tions. also received. To guide the direction of content Publication: Science Scotland for each issue, an Editorial Board A new publication has been has been created, under the created by the Society, in partner- chairmanship of Professor John ship with the Scottish Executive, Coggins. Each issue will be British Council Scotland and themed on a different area of Scottish Development Internation- research where Scotland can demonstrate world-class ability.

225

FELLOWS’ SOCIAL EVENTS Fellows’ Reception 6 May 2004. Rediscovering The 2004 Summer Reception took Diversity in Higher Education. place at the University of Dundee, Professor John Mavor, FRSE; on 2 July 2004 within an especial- Professor Timothy O’Shea, ly designated RSE marquee as part Principal & Vice-Chancellor, of Sensation Village during the University of Edinburgh; Professor spectacular University Graduation David Ingram, FRSE, Master, St celebrations. Catharine’s College, Cambridge; and Professor Michael Thorne, During the event, Bicentenary Vice-Chancellor, University of East Medals for service to the Society London. were presented to : New Fellows’ Dinner 2004 Professor John S Beck Professor John Laver The 2004 New Fellows’ Dinner The Rt Hon Lord Ross was held on 21 June 2004 and was attended by around 75 New Discussion Dinner Fellows and partners, members of 12 January 2004. The Cause of Council and RSE staff. Eating Disorders - the Individual, Professor Andrew Miller proposed the Culture, or Both?. Led by Dr C the Toast to the New Fellows, to Freeman, a Consultant Psychiatrist which Sir John Ward responded. at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Fellows’ Coffee Meetings and Dr H Millar, a Consultant Weekly Coffee Meetings were Psychiatrist in the Eating Disorder held throughout the winter and Service of the Royal Cornhill spring months. Speakers at the Hospital, Aberdeen. monthly lecture meetings were : Discussion Suppers 4 November 2003. Imperialism 11 December 2003. What Do We Ancient and Modern. Professor Mean By Contemporary Art John S Richardson Discussion Supper. Professor 2 December 2003. Human Christina Lodder, FRSE, University Organs for Sale. Lord Kilpatrick of of St Andrews; Professor Duncan Kincraig Macmillan, FRSE, Curator of Talbot Rice Gallery, The University of 13 January 2004. Fungi - What if Edinburgh; Professor Graham they Went on Strike? Professor Smith FRSE, Professor of Art Roy Watling History, The University of St 3 February 2004. Pilgrims, Andrews; and Professor Richard I. Nomads and Tourists : The Thomson FRSE, Watson Gordon Changing Landscape of Faith. Professor of Fine Art, The Universi- Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, ty of Edinburgh. President

227 Review of the Session 2003-2004

2 March 2004. Don’t Count your 828th dinner - 5 April 2004. Chickens... Professor J S Beck Praeses : Sir Roderick McSween 12 October 2004. Intelligence, Croupier : Professor J Knox Government and the Media. 829th dinner - 7 June 2004. Janet Morgan, Lady Balfour of Praeses : Lady Balfour of Burleigh Burleigh Croupier : Professor T Anderson The Royal Society Dining Club 830th dinner - 4 October 2004. This Club was established on 3rd Praeses – Professor M McLeod January 1820, with the view of Croupier – Lord Cameron of promoting the objectives of the Lochbroom Royal Society of Edinburgh. In Fellows’ Golf Challenge Session 2002/2003 meetings were held as follows : The 2004 Golf Challenge, held at Dunblane New Golf Club, was 827th dinner - 1 December 2003. won by Professor Andrew Mac- Praeses : Sir Michael Atiyah kenzie. Croupier : Professor D Saxon

228 GRANTS, SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS The society is grateful to the following organisations for their continuing support during the Session:

BP Research Fellowship Trust GM Morrison Charitable Trust Caledonian Research Foundation Gannochy Trust Lord Fleck Will Trust PPARC Lessells Trust Scottish Enterprise Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scottish Executive Scotland The Wellcome Trust and also to the following for their support for specific events and activities:

Aberdeenshire Council Royal Bank of Scotland Archibald, Campbell & Harley WS Royal Academy of Engineering British Council, Scotland Scottish Association for Marine City of Edinburgh Council Science Corus Fire Engineering Sir Walter Gibley The Darwin Trust of Edinburgh Scottish Land Federation Edinburgh Centre for Rural Sir Ian McGregor Research Shell Exploration & Production FM Global Research Shell UK Ltd Highlands & Islands Enterprise Statoil ASA Institute of Civil Engineers Scottish National Heritage Institute of Physics Teacher University of Glasgow Network Weber Shandwick

229

CHANGES IN FELLOWSHIP DURING THE SESSION DEATHS REPORTED TO THE SOCIETY Fellows

Henry Matthew Adam Hugh Christopher Longuet- Dirk Bijl Higgins Arthur Donald Boney William Mckane (Anthony) John Clark Anna MacGillivray Macleod Alan (Hugh) Cook William Barr Martin William Alexander Cramond Gordon Ramsay Nicoll Arthur James Ogilvie Cruickshank Stanley Donald Nisbet Douglas Scott Falconer Guan Bee Ong Roy Foster Harold Stanley Arthur Potter Robert Barclay Goudie Adam Neil Smith James Kerr Grant Donald Elmslie Robertson Watt George Patrick Henderson Alwyn Williams Violet Rosemary Strachan Hutton Peter Northcote Wilson

Honorary Fellows

Francis Harry Compton Crick Maurice Hugh Frederick Wilkins Wallace Spencer Pitcher

ELECTIONS Honorary Fellows

Alan Greenspan Edward Osborne Wilson Jack St Clair Kilby

Corresponding Fellows Douglas Sutherland Bridges Wolfgang F G Mecklenbrauker Victor Matveevich Buchstaber David Thomas Pegg Eleanor Elizabeth Bryce Campbell John Urquhart Bhadriraju Krishnamurti (Alan) William Alexander Jardine Watson

231 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Fellows

Asen Michaylov Asenov Anne Elizabeth Magurran Brian Ashcroft Elizabeth Ann Moignard David Begg Thomas Mullin Jocelyn Susan Bell Burnell Andrea Mary Nolan Paul Michael Bishop David O’Hagan Mary Bownes Timothy Michael Martin O’Shea Callum Graham Brown Karl John Oparka Oscar Peter Buneman Lindsay John Paterson Graham Douglas Caie Murray George Hornby Pittock Stuart Malcolm Cobbe Wilson Che Kei Poon David John Cooke Stephen David Reicher John Kevin Curtice Philippe George Schyns John Alan Dawson Mark Robert Shaw David Alexander Syme Fergusson John Roger Speakman Roderick Allister McDonald John Arthur Swaffield Galbraith David Tollervey Brian Gill John Richard Underhill Christopher Simon Haley Ian Underwood Gordon Hayward Christiaan Richard David Van Der Richard Milne Hogg Kuyl Alan William Hood Karen Heather Vousden Deborah Janet Howard John MacQueen Ward Nicholas Barrie La Thangue David John Webb Jeremy John Lambert Bonnie Lynn Webber Bruce Philip Lenman Cornelis Jan Weijer Andrew Peter MacKenzie Alan Jeffrey Welch Stephen McLaughlin Robert John White Agnes Lawrie Addie Shonaig Mark Edward John Woolhouse MacPherson Eric George Wright

232 STAFF CHANGES DURING THE SESSION Arrivals Departures Mr Andy Curran, Facilities Assist- Mr Andy Curran, Facilities Assist- ant ant Ms Zoë Eccles, Receptionist/ Mrs Rebecca Gibson, Receptionist/ Telephonist Telephonist Mr George Pendleton, Facilities Mr Colin Nelson, Facilities Assist- Assistant ant

Other Staff in post throughout the Session

Ms Christel Baudere, Personnel Miss Vicki Ingpen, Journals and Assistant Archive Officer Mr Stuart Brown, PR and Commu- Mr Gary Johnstone, Accounts nications Manager Assistant Mrs Roísín Calvert-Elliott, Events Mr Robert Lachlan, Accounts Manager Officer Ms Jennifer Cameron, IT Support Mrs Jenny Liddell, Research Manager and Communications Awards Co-ordinator Officer Mr Frank Pullen, Central Services Dr Lesley Campbell, Policy, Manager Education and Fellowship Services Dr Marc Rands, Policy Officer Manager Dr Harinee Selvadurai, Education Dr William Duncan, Chief Execu- Officer tive Mr Brian Scott, Technical Support Miss Kate Ellis, Director of Finance Assistant Ms Emma Faragher, Education Mrs Sheila Stuart, Administration Assistant Assistant Mrs Anne Fraser, Research Awards Mrs Margaret Tait, Receptionist/ Manager Telephonist Ms Jean Finlayson, International Ms Susan Walker, Events Officer Officer Mrs Doreen Waterland, PA to Ms Kirsteen Francis, Conference Chief Executive and Officers Centre Co-ordinator Mr Duncan Welsh, Events Officer Ms Sarah Gilmore, Events Co- ordinator Mr Michael White, International Activities Manager (seconded Mr Graeme Herbert, Director of from the British Council) Corporate Services

233

INDEX A City of Edinburgh Council, 229. Aberdeenshire Council, 229. Conferences/Symposia Advances in Heavy Quark Physics, A Resource to be Harnessed, 171. 168. Anglo-Scottish Relations since Anglo-Scottish Relations since 1914, 159. 1914, (RSE/BA Joint Conference) Annual Statutory Meeting, 5. 159. Archibald, Campbell & Harley WS, Cormack Meeting, 182. 229. Fire and Structures : Implications A Resource to be Harnessed, 168 of the World Trade Center ASM, Minute, 5. Disaster, 179. Auber Bequest Award, 220. Reproductive Health. (CRF International Conference), Auditor's Report and Accounts, 193. 35. Scotland and the Media, 172. B Scotland's Land, 191. Berry, Sir Michael, 141. Scottish Publishing, 184. Biotechnology, Organic Farming The Future of Retailing, 176. and Shaping our Agricultural Cormack Bequest Future, 158. Lecture, 141. BP Meeting, 182. Personal Research Fellowship, Prizes and Scholarships, 211. 209,213. Corus Fire Engineering, 229. Research Fellowship Trust, 229. Crossroads for Ideas, 224. British Council, 224, 229. Broadband Access Technologies: D Reality and Myth, 144. Darwin Trust of Edinburgh, 229. C Deaths Reported to the Society, 231. Cairncross, Frances, 146. Dining Club, 228. Caledonian Research Foundation (CRF), 229. Discussion Forums International Conference, 193. Do we Approve of a Jury System for Complicated Trials, 162. Personal Research Fellowship, 209. Energy Crisis: What are the Alternatives?, 206. Prize Lecture, 217. Preserving the Values of Secular Cameron, Professor Dugald, 111. Europe in a Time of Religious Changes in Fellowship, 231. Turbulence, 190. Christmas Lectures, 205.

235 Review of the Session 2003-2004

SARS - The Lessons Learned, Frank Fraser Darling 1903-1979: 164. Ecologist, Conservationist, The Cause of Eating Disorders: Prophet, 138. The Individual, the Culture or G Both?, 166. Galbraith, Roddy, 111. The Reliability of Fingerprint Information, 183. Gannochy Trust, 229 Discussion Suppers, 227. Award for Innovation, 217. Do we Approve of a Jury System Gannochy Innovation Award for Complicated Trials, 162. Lecture, 137. General Secretary's Report, 6. E GM Morrison Charitable Trust, Edinburgh Centre for Rural 229. Research, 229. Grand Challenges for Computing Election of Fellows, 231. Research, 109. Election of Officers and Council, Grants, 219. 5. Auber Bequest Award, 220. Electricity Supply in the New Research Visitor to Scotland, Century, 130. 219. Energy Crisis: what are the Support for Meetings, 219. alternatives?, 206. Support for Publications, 220. Evidence, Advice and Comment, Travel Assistance, 219. 201. Grants, Sponsorship and Dona- F tions, 229. Fellows’ Coffee Meetings, 227. H Fellows’ Golf Challenge, 228. Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Fellows’ Reception, 227. 229. Fellowship Hoare, Sir Tony, 109. Deaths Reported to the Society, How Brain Science could trans- 231. form our lives in the Future, 224. Election of Fellows, 231. Hubner, Professor Danuta, 118. Fellowship Secretary's Report, 17. I Fire and Structures : Implications of the World Trade Center Inquiries - Scottish Fishing Disaster, 179. Industry, 203. FM Global Research, 229. Institute of Civil Engineers, 229. Focussing in the Sky, 141. Institute of Physics Teacher Network, 229. International Programme, 221.

236 Index

Crossroads for Ideas, 224. Serendipity and Biology in the Events and Visits, 222. Discovery and Delivery of a New Exchanges, 221. Treatment for Cancer (Gannochy Science Scotland, 225. Innovation Award Lecture), 137. Scotland in the Netherlands, 224. The Coming Century - Ten Trends to Back, 146. Sino-Scottish Science, 223. The Entente Cordiale: War and Stem Cell Meeting, 222. Empire, 149. UK Research Office, 223. The Future of Food and Farming Voyages of Discovery, 222. (RSE/IoB/ECRR Joint Lecture), Investments, 55. 129. K The Value of the Performing Kennedy, Dr Malcolm, 130. Arts, 120. Wind Energy: Powering the L Future (RAE/RSE Joint Lecture), Lectures 131. Biotechnology, Organic Farming Lessells Bequest and Shaping our Agricultural Travel Scholarships, 212. Future, 158. Lessells Trust, 229. Broadband Access Technolo- Lessons from the World Trade gies: Reality and Myth, 144. Center Disaster, 140. Energy Supply in the New Lloyds TSB Foundation for Century, 130. Scotland, 229. Focussing in the Sky (Cormack Personal Research Fellowship, Bequest Lecture), 141. 209, 213. Frank Fraser Darling, 138. Research Studentships, 211, Grand Challenges for Comput- 214. ing Research, 109. Lord Fleck Will Trust, 229. Lessons from the World Trade Center Disaster, 140. M New Europe: World Views, MacMillan, Professor Duncan, 118. 87. Refurbishment of the Forth Maths Masterclasses, 206. Bridge (ICE/RSE Joint Lecture), Mays, Dr Ian, 131. 122. McLaughlin, Professor Steve, Research Policy: the next five 144. years, 113. Medals, Prizes and Prize Lecture- Scotland's Contribution to ships, 217. Aviation, 111.

237 Review of the Session 2003-2004

Bicentenary Medals, 8th Award, The Bruce-Preller Prize Lecture. 217. The Threat of Terrorism, 77. BP Prize Lecture, 217. Publications, 195. CRF Prize Lecture, 217. Annual Review, 195 David Anderson-Berry Medal, Directory, 195. 217. Proceedings A: Mathematics, Gannochy Award for Innova- 195. tion, 217. ReSourcE, 195. Gunning Victoria Jubilee Prize Review, 195 Lectureship, 217. Transactions: Earth Sciences, Makdougall Brisbane Prize, 195. 217. R Royal Medals, 217. Refurbishment of the Forth Melchett, Lord, 129. Bridge, 122. Molecular, Clinical and Safety Reproductive Health, 193. Aspects of Nutrition, 174. Research and Enterprise Awards. N BP : Personal, 209. New Europe: World Views, 118. Cormack Prizes and Scholar- New Fellows’ Dinner 2003, 227. ships, 211. Newbould, Professor Palmer, CRF Personal, 209. 137. Lessells Travel Scholarships, O 212. O'Nions, Sir Keith, 77. Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, 209. Ordinary Meetings, 3. PPARC Enterprise Fellowships, P 210. PPARC, 229. Research Fellows in Post, 213. Enterprise Fellowship, 210. Research Studentships, 211. Pre-mRNA Splicing, 59. Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Preserving the Values of Secular Fellowships, 210. Europe in a Time of Religious Scottish Executive Fellowships, Turbulence, 190. 209. Prize Lectures Teaching Fellowships, 210. CRF Prize Lecture. Pre-mRNA Wellcome Research Workshop, Splicing, 59. 211. Henry Duncan Prize Lecture. Research policy: the next five Scotland and the Origins of years, 113. Modern Art, 87.

238 Index

Research Visitor to Scotland Serendipity and Biology in the Grants, 219. Discovery and Delivery of a New ReSourcE, 195. Treatment for Cancer, 137. Royal Academy of Engineering, Shell Exploration & Production, 229. 229. Royal Bank of Scotland, 229. Shell UK Ltd, 229. Royal Netherlands Academy, 224. Shyam-Sunder, Dr Sivaraj, 140. RSE Roadshow, 206. Sino-Scottish Science: Sharing Ideas, 223. S Sooman, Duncan, 122. SARS - The Lessons Learned, 164. Spruce, Dr Barbara, 137. Science Scotland, 225. Staff of the Society, 233. Scotland and the Media, 172. Startup Science Masterclasses, Scotland and the Origins of 207. Modern Art, 87. Statoil ASA, 229. Scotland's Contribution to Steitz, Professor Joan, 59. Aviation, 111. Strachan, Professor Hew, 149. Scotland’s Land, 191. Support for Meetings Grants, Scottish Association for Marine 219. Science, 229. Support for Publication Grants, Scottish Enterprise, 229. 220. Enterprise Fellowships, 210. Swaminathan, Professor Scottish Executive, 229. Monkombu S., 158. Personal Research Fellowship, 209, 213. T Support Research Fellowship, Talk Science school visits, 205. 209, 213. Taylor, John, 113. Teaching Fellowship, 219. The Cause of Eating Disorders, Scotland in the Netherlands, 166. 224. The Coming Century – Ten Trends Scottish Land Federation, 229. to Back, 146. Scottish National Heritage, 229. The Entente Cordiale: War and Scottish Publishing, 184. Empire, 149. Scottish Science Advisory Commit- The Future of Food and Farming, tee, 197. 129. Members, 199. The Future of Retailing - Trans- port, 176. Staff, 199. The Reliability of Fingerprint Identification, 183.

239 Review of the Session 2003-2004

The Threat of Terrorism: The Place Wellcome Trust, 174, 211, 229. of Science, 77. Why Science Education Matters: The Value of the Performing Arts, SSAC, 197. 120. Wind Energy: Powering the Transactions: Earth Sciences, 195. Future, 131. Travel Assistance Grants, 219. Workshops Treasurer's Report, 14. Advances in Heavy Quark Trustees’ Report, 19. Physics (Particle Physics Work- U shop), 171. Molecular, Clinical and Safety Underwood, Dr Ian, 217. Aspects of Nutrition Research University of Glasgow, 229. (Wellcome Trust Research V Workshop), 174. Voyages of Discovery, 222. Y W Young People’s Committee Wallace, Professor John, 120. Awards, 207. Weber Shandwick, 229. Young People's Programme, 205.

240 The Royal Society of Edinburgh

Review 2005 (Session 2003-2004) The RoyalSocietyof Edinburgh Review2005

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