news

THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ISSUE 9 • SPRING/SUMMER 2004

RESOURCE THE NEWSLETTER OF ’S NATIONAL ACADEMY

The Scottish Fishing Industry A secure and sustainable future for the Scottish Fishing Industry is achievable, but not without a long-term view being taken and important changes being made to both policy and management. Continued social and economic hardship for parts of the industry and dependent communities is unfortunately inevitable, at least until stocks can be restored to sustainable levels. This is the view of expert committee set up by The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in the first major investigation undertaken into the future of this industry in Scotland. Instigated by and reporting to the Council of The Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Inquiry which published its report in March, makes 35 key recommendations covering the operation of the Common Fisheries Policy, the science of fish stock assessment and the management of fisheries policy. It also outlines measures to help the industry and fishery dependent communities. The Inquiry received a considerable volume of written and oral evidence from Scotland and from other countries; it consulted widely and visited the main fishery dependent areas in Scotland, as well as the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the European Commission.

Energy Crisis - What are the Scotland and the Media Scottish Publishing and alternatives? Culture News The Abel Prize HONORARY RSE FELLOW TO SHARE "MATHEMATICIANS' NOBEL PRIZE"

The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters is to award the Abel Prize for 2004, jointly to Sir Michael Francis Atiyah OM, PPRS, HonFRSE, University of Edinburgh and Isadore M. Singer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Atiyah and Singer will

Sir Michael Atiyah. Image by Michael Kenward receive the prize referred to as the "mathematicians' Nobel prize" for their discovery and proof of the index theorem, bringing together topology, geometry and analysis, and their outstanding role in building new bridges between mathematics and theoretical physics. King Harald of Norway will present the award at a ceremony in Oslo on May 25. The Abel Laureates, Sir Michael Atiyah and Isadore Singer, were to give their lectures at Akershus Castle and Fortress, Oslo on 26 May 2004. The Niels Henrik Abel Memorial Fund was established on 1 January 2002, to award the Abel Prize for outstanding scientific work in the field of mathematics. The prize amount is 6 million NOK (about 750,000 Euro) and was awarded for the first time on 3 June 2003. The prize is awarded by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, which has appointed an Abel Committee consisting of five mathematicians to review the nominated candidates and submit a recommendation for a worthy Abel laureate. The Atiyah-Singer index theorem is one of the great landmarks of twentieth century mathematics, influencing profoundly many of the most important later developments in topology, differential geometry and quantum field theory. Its authors, both jointly and individually, have been instrumental in repairing a rift between the worlds of pure The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) mathematics and theoretical particle physics, initiating a cross-fertilization which has is Scotland’s National Academy of been one of the most exciting developments of the last decades. Science & Letters. It is an independent body with charitable status. The Sir Michael Atiyah OM, PPRS, HonFRSE, has had a profound and beneficial effect on Society organises conferences and the development of mathematics and science in the UK and Europe. Sir Michael was lectures for the specialist and for the one of the pioneers in the development of K-theory. Knighted in 1983, he received the general public. It provides a forum for Order of Merit in 1992, was Master of Trinity College Cambridge from 1990 to 1997 informed debate on issues of national and held the position of President of The Royal Society of London from 1990 to 1995. and international importance. Its multidisciplinary fellowship of men Sir Michael was recently President of Pugwash and is Chancellor of the University of and women of international standing Leicester. In October 2003 Sir Michael’s achievements received further Royal provides independent, expert advice recognition when HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presented him with the Royal Medal. to key decision-making bodies, Sir Michael was one of three Medallists selected by The Royal Society of Edinburgh including Government and (RSE), Scotland’s National Academy, in recognition of intellectual endeavour which has Parliament. had a profound influence on people’s lives, world-wide. The Society’s Research Awards programme annually awards well over President of The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, who £1.5 million to exceptionally talented hosted a reception in the Society’s rooms to recognise and celebrate Sir Michael’s young academics and potential award said: entrepreneurs to promote commercial I am delighted that Sir Michael Atiyah has been named joint winner of the Abel prize. exploitation of inventiveness and Widely regarded as the ‘mathematician’s Nobel prize’, this highly prestigious award, boost wealth-generation. presented by The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, recognises Sir Michael’s The RSE is active in classrooms from outstanding contribution to mathematics and science. I know that Michael is proud the Borders to the Northern Isles, with a successful programme of lectures of his Scottish connections and the Society recognises and values his support as an and hands-on workshops for primary Honorary Fellow and winner of the Royal Medal in 2003. I send Michael my warmest and secondary school pupils. congratulations, and those of our Fellowship. The Royal Society of Edinburgh, working as part of the UK and within a global context, is committed to the future of Scotland’s social, economic and cultural well-being.

2 The Scottish Fishing Industry “The Committee and I strongly believe that there is a sustainable and profitable future for the Scottish fishing industry, but we recognise that securing this will involve the taking of difficult decisions in the short-term. Fishermen, policy-makers and European scientists, share responsibility for the grave difficulties being experienced by the whitefish sector. Our forward-looking Report makes key recommendations which seek to offer solutions for an industry so important to Scotland. I am most deeply grateful to the Committee members for all of their extremely hard work over the nine months it took to prepare the report, and to the donors without whose generous support the report could not have been produced.”

Professor Sir David Smith, FRS, FRSE, Chairman of the Independent Inquiry Sir David Smith. Image courtesy of the Founda- Committee. tion for Science and Technology

The report, which has been widely 3. The independent RSE inquiry has fisheries and environmental science, disseminated and received coverage in provided a much more detailed focus statistical modelling, economics and local and national media outlets, was on the problems of those Scottish business. welcomed by many representatives of communities affected by the current The Inquiry finds that fishermen, policy the Fishing industry. Deputy Fisheries crisis, and so unlike the Cabinet makers and European scientists share Minister Alan Wilson MSP also Office Report, a number of its responsibility for the grave difficulties welcomed the report when it was recommendations are targeted being experienced by the whitefish presented (in the absence of Minister, specifically at the Scottish Executive. sector. Had cod stocks, for example, Ross Finnie, due to ill-health) by Sir The fishing industry is of particular been maintained with fishing mortality David Smith (Inquiry Chairman), importance to Scotland as it has no higher than 1960s levels, the extra Professor Gavin McCrone (Vice- about 60 per cent of the United catch could now be worth some £80- Chairman) and the Inquiry Secretary, Dr Kingdom’s sea fishing industry and 100 million a year to the Scottish Marc Rands. The Committee was the preponderant part of the pelagic industry. The report’s recommendations invited to give a presentation on the and whitefish sectors. Much of the cover changes to reduce centralisation report to the Fisheries Committee of industry is profitable, but the and give greater involvement to the the European Parliament in Brussels. whitefish sector, which is industry in the decision-making This presentation was very well received concentrated in the North East and in process, improvements to the science of and was followed by a constructive and Shetland, is in serious trouble. The stock assessment, the eventual helpful discussion with Ms Maja Common Fisheries Policy has failed to abolition of catch quotas for the Kirchner, a member of Commissioner protect adequately important species whitefish sector and their replacement Franz Fischler’s Cabinet and with of whitefish stock and as a result, with a system of effort control coupled officials from the European measures now having to be imposed with closed areas and gear regulations. Commission. threaten the livelihoods of many in It urges the industry to make the most The RSE’s report was published shortly Scotland’s fishing communities. This of the opportunities presented by the before that of a separate inquiry prompted the Society’s Council to new Regional Advisory Committees undertaken by the Cabinet Office launch its independent Inquiry. (RACs) so that, if successful, these can whose report is entitled: Net benefits: A Chaired by the distinguished be given management responsibility. Sustainable and Profitable Future for biologist, Sir David Smith FRS, FRSE, UK Fishing. The RSE’s finding its members covered expertise in complement those of the Cabinet Office in at least three important ways: 1. The RSE report gives a far more detailed analysis of the scientific and statistical procedures involved in fish stock assessment - a process fundamental to fisheries management 2. The Society’s report gives a much clearer analysis of the development of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which is important especially because some of the debate about the future of the industry is distorted by misunderstandings about the CFP. image courtesy of Gavin Stewart, www.orkneynet.co.uk

3 Election 2004

More than sixty eminent individuals were elected to Fellowship of the Society, at a meeting held on Monday 1March 2004. Chosen in recognition of outstanding contributions to their field, a broad spectrum of expertise in sciences, arts, business and public life is represented in the new list of Fellows. The accolade of Fellowship creates the opportunity for Fellows to contribute to the range of public benefit roles of the Society. The Society’s Fellowship of some 1300 peer-elected men and women represents a knowledge resource for the people of Scotland. Fellows elected on 1 March were :

CAIE, Graham Douglas, Professor of HOOD, Alan William, Professor of English Language, University of Applied Mathematics, University of St . Andrews. COBBE, Stuart Malcolm, Walton HOWARD, Deborah, Professor of Professor of Medical Cardiology, Royal Architectural History and Head of the Infirmary, Glasgow. Department of the History of Art; Fellow COOKE, David John, Head of Forensic of St John’s College, University of Clinical Psychology Service, Greater Cambridge. Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust; LA THANGUE, Nicholas Barrie, Professor of Forensic Clinical Cathcart Professor of Biochemistry, Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University of Glasgow. University. LAMBERT, Jeremy John, Professor of CURTICE, John Kevin, Professor of Neuropharmacology, University of Politics & Director of the Social Statistics Dundee. Laboratory, University of Strathclyde; LENMAN, Bruce Philip, Emeritus Research Consultant, Scottish Centre Professor of Modern History, University for Social Research. of St Andrews. DAWSON, John Alan, Professor of MACKENZIE, Andrew Peter, Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell Marketing, University of Edinburgh; of Condensed Matter Physics & Director FELLOWS Distinguished Professor, University of of Research, School of Physics and ASENOV, Asen Michaylov, Professor of Marketing and Distribution Sciences, Astronomy, University of St. Andrews. Kobe; Visiting Professor, ESADE, Device Modelling, University of MACPHERSON, Shonaig, Senior Barcelona. Glasgow. Partner, McGrigors; non-executive ASHCROFT, Brian K, Professor of FERGUSSON, David Alexander Syme, Director, ITI Scotland Ltd; non-executive Economics and Policy Director, Fraser of Minister of Church of Scotland; Member, Management Group, Scottish Allander Institute, University of Professor of Divinity & Head of the Executive. School of Divinity, University of Strathclyde; Co-Director, Scotttish MAGURRAN, Anne Elizabeth, Edinburgh. Economic Policy Network. Professor of Ecology & Evolution, BEGG, David, Principal, Imperial GALBRAITH, Roderick Allister University of St Andrews. McDonald, Shoda Professor of College Business School, London. MCLAUGHLIN, Stephen, Professor of Aerospace Systems, University of BELL BURNELL, Susan Jocelyn, Dean of Electronic Communication Systems, Glasgow. Science, University of Bath. University of Edinburgh. GILL, Brian, Lord Justice Clerk of BISHOP, Paul Michael, Professor of MOIGNARD, Elizabeth Ann, Professor Scotland, Parliament House, Edinburgh. Physical Geography, University of of Classical Art & Archaeology; Director, Glasgow. HALEY, Christopher Simon, Professor, Institute for Art History; Vice Dean, University of Edinburgh; Head, BOWNES, Mary, Professor of Faculty of Arts, University of Glasgow. Department of Genetics & Biometry, Developmental Biology & Vice Principal, MULLIN, Thomas, Professor of Physics, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh). University of Edinburgh. University of Manchester; Director, The HAYWARD, Gordon, Professor & BROWN, Callum Graham, Professor of Manchester Centre for Nonlinear Director, Centre for Ultrasonic Religious and Cultural History, Dynamics. Engineering, University of Strathclyde; University of Strathclyde. NOLAN, Andrea Mary, Dean of the Chairman, Alba Ultrasound Ltd. BUNEMAN, Oscar Peter, Professor of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, HOGG, Richard Milne, Smith Professor Database Systems, School of University of Glasgow. of English Language, University of Informatics, University of Edinburgh. Manchester.

4 UNDERHILL, John Richard, Professor of HONORARY FELLOWS Stratigraphy, University of Edinburgh. GREENSPAN, Alan, Chairman of the UNDERWOOD, Ian, Director of Board of Governors of the Federal Strategic Marketing, Micro Emissive Reserve System, USA. (below) Displays Ltd; Reader, School of Engineering and Electronics, University Image Courtesy of Federal Reserve Board of Edinburgh. van der KUYL, Christiaan Richard David, President & CEO, VIS Entertainment plc; Chairman, AXIS Animation, Young Enterprise Scotland Limited, Scottish Games Alliance, The Chris van der Kuyl. Independent Game Developers Association; Visiting Professor in Digital Entertainment, University of Abertay. O’HAGAN, David, Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of St Andrews. VOUSDEN, Karen Heather, Director, Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, OPARKA, Karl John, Head, Programme Glasgow. of Cell-to-Cell Communication, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee. WARD, John MacQueen, Chairman of Scottish Enterprise, Chairman of KILBY, Jack St Clair, Nobel Prize for O’SHEA, Timothy Michael Martin, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Physics. Part-time consultant, Texas Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University Chairman of Dunfermline Building Instruments Inc., USA. of Edinburgh. Society, Chairman of European Assets PATERSON, Lindsay John, Professor of Trust NV, Chairman of Queen Margaret WILSON, Edward Osborne, Honorary Educational Policy, University of University College. Curator in Entomology, Museum of Edinburgh. Comparative Zoology, Harvard, USA. WEBB, David John, Christison Professor PITTOCK, Murray G H, Professor of of Therapeutics and Clinical CORRESPONDING FELLOWS Scottish and Romantic Literature & Pharmacology & Head, Centre for BRIDGES, Douglas Sutherland, Head of the Department of English and Cardiovascular Science, University of Professor of Pure Mathematics and American Studies, University of Edinburgh; Consultant Physician, Head, Department of Manchester. Lothian NHS Board. Mathematics, University of Canterbury, POON, Wilson Che Kei, Professor of WEBBER, Bonnie Lynn, Professor of New Zealand. Condensed Matter Physics, University of Intelligent Systems, University of BUCHSTABER, Victor Matveevich, Edinburgh. Edinburgh. Professor, Steklov Mathematical REICHER, Stephen David, Professor of WEIJER, Cornelis Jan, Professor of Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences. Psychology, University of St Andrews. Developmental Physiology, University of CAMPBELL, Eleanor Elizabeth SCHYNS, Philippe George, Professor of Dundee. Bryce, Professor of Atomic and Visual Cognition, University of WELCH, Alan Jeffrey, Professor of Fundamental Molecular Glasgow. Inorganic Chemistry, Heriot-Watt Physics, Göteborg University. SHAW, Mark Robert, Keeper of University. KRISHNAMURTI, Bhadriraju, Professor Geology & Zoology, National Museums WHITE, Robert J, Professor of Gene Emeritus of Linguistics, Osmania of Scotland. Transcription, University of Glasgow. University, Hyderabad, India. , John Roger, Professor of SPEAKMAN WOOLHOUSE, Mark Edward John, MECKLENBRAUKER, Wolfgang, Professor, Zoology & Head, Integrative Physiology, Chair of Veterinary Public Health and Technical University of Vienna. University of Aberdeen; Head, Quantitative Epidemiology, University of PEGG, David Thomas, Professor of Energetics and Molecular Physiology, Edinburgh. Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen. Physics, Griffith University, Brisbane, WRIGHT, Eric George, Professor of Australia. SWAFFIELD, John Arthur, William Experimental Haematology, Ninewells URQUHART, John, Chief Scientist of Watson Professor of Building Hospital and Medical School, University AARDEX, APREX, HEXALOG; Professor Engineering; Head, School of the Built of Dundee. Environment, Heriot-Watt University. of Pharmaco-epidemiology, Maastricht. TOLLERVEY, David, Wellcome Trust WATSON, Alan, Distinguished Principal Research Fellow, Wellcome Research Professor & Ernest P Rogers Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University Chair at the University of Georgia Law of Edinburgh. School, USA. 5 International International Exchange Programme Beijing seminar In August 2003, the Vice President of The International Exchange Programme was launched a year ago. It provides the Chinese Academy of Sciences, opportunities for post-doctoral researchers from Scotland to travel on a short visit of Professor Chen Zhu, visited Edinburgh up to 4 weeks to further research collaboration, and also for Scottish researchers to with a delegation of botanists, invited invite foreign colleagues to visit Scotland. Follow up trips may be possible depending to the UK by the Royal Society of on the outcomes of the first visit. There are three bilateral programmes; with the London, and while at the Royal Society Chinese Academy of Sciences (to member institutes), the Polish Academy of Sciences of Edinburgh, invited us to send a and the National Science Council of Taiwan. There is also an Open programme to delegation of Scottish researchers to allow travel to other destinations, or to receive visiting researchers, not covered by the China to map out the potential for bilateral agreements. Applications for travel grants under this programme are future collaboration. With his opposite growing steadily due to increasing awareness of the programme, following an initially number in the Chinese Academy of slow start due to travel restrictions to Asia. Sciences, Mr Jiyang Gao, Michael Further details on eligibility and application forms can be found on the Society’s White, the RSE’s International Activities website: www.royalsoced.org.uk. Completed applications (including supporting Manager, designed a programme for documentation) must be submitted before the appropriate closing date (31 May, 31 the delegation, which covered the August, 30 November and 28 February annually). You should allow at least 2 months following disciplines: after the closing date before travel. Please note the international exchange - Botany programmes are open to non-Fellows as well as Fellows of the Society. - Plant Genetics - Optoelectronics - Nutrition and Human Health (especially with respect to diabetes) - Nanotechnology Montferrand Registers - Science Policy - Public Understanding of Science Among those who have recently during which the language of record completed Exchange visits is Professor was the local variety of Occitan. These The visit took place in early March. Anthony Lodge, Department of French, documents provide remarkable insights Following a two-day seminar in Beijing, University of St Andrews who visited Dr into the structure and evolution of the the RSE delegation split into two Josiane Teyssot at the Université de local dialect and the life of a medieval groups and visited various institutes Clermond-Ferrand, and Professor J-P urban community. during the remainder of the week, Chambon of the Centre The main aim of Professor Lodge’s visit identifying areas where there was d’Enseignement et Recherches d’Oc at was to elicit the help of his French potential mutual benefit in developing the Université de Paris IV (Sorbonne). colleagues in the linguistic and bilateral collaboration, including: Institute of Physics, Institute of Professor Lodge travelled to France to historical interpretation of the Semiconductors, Institute of Botany, study part of a uniquely rich archive of documents in the archive. They in turn Beijing Botanical Garden, Institute of municipal documents conserved in were anxious for him to explain the Genetics and Developmental Biology, Montferrand (Puy-de-Dôme), focusing fruits of his research to date, notably in China Museum of Science and on 17 registers of accounts (some 1700 the texts’ linguistic dimension, both at Technology, Institute of Chemistry, folios) covering the period 1258-1390, the level of the literal interpretation of the material, and at that of its wider Institute of Geology and Geophysics implications for the development of the and Beijing No. 80 High School. Auvergat dialect. The Royal Society of Edinburgh and the On a follow up visit to France, Professor Chinese Academy of Sciences signed a Lodge was interviewed on local Memorandum of Understanding in television and gave a public lecture in March 2002. The agreement provided Montferrand. In the longer term, a for a programme of exchange visits research group will be set up consisting between Scotland and China at of Professors Lodge and Chambon, and postdoctoral level. three others, with the aim of publishing Coincidentally, Nature published a a collaborative “sociolinguistic history special feature on Science in China on of Auvergne from the Roman invasion 11 March 2004 and this can be viewed to the present day”. at www.nature.com/nature/china. Further information on this visit, and all aspects of the RSE’s international programme, is available from Michael White, [email protected]

6 Polish Academy of Sciences In the week after Poland’s accession to Science Scotland the European Union, as part of a visit to A new publication has been developed by the Society, in partnership with the Scottish the UK at the invitation of the British Executive, British Council Scotland and Scottish Development International. The first Academy, a delegation from the Polish issue was launched at this year’s annual meeting of the American Association for the Academy of Sciences (PAN) visited the Advancement of Science, held in Seattle in February. The second issue was published Royal Society of Edinburgh. to coincide with the Tartan Day events held in New York at the beginning of April. The President of PAN, Professor Andrzej This publication will appear in multiple formats; paper, electronic, CD-ROM and web Legocki, was accompanied by Professor site (www.sciencescotland.org). This publication features the best of science and Jan Strelau, Vice-President for technology in Scotland with the objective to raise awareness to an international Humanities; Dr Urszula Wajcen, Director audience, using the global networks of the partner organisations. of International Relations; and Ms Renata Kuskowska, UK Desk Officer. Anyone who wishes to receive a regular copy of this publication should register on the website (or contact Michael White at the Society). The delegation met RSE President, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood; Professor Tariq Durrani, FRSE, FREng; Ms Ursula Kelly of the University of Strathclyde and members of RSE staff. Following wide-ranging discussions, Forthcoming Events Professor Legocki invited RSE to send a delegation to Poland later in the year to CROSSROADS FOR IDEAS- SCOTLAND IN THE explore areas for closer collaboration. BIOINFORMATICS NETHERLANDS 2004 WORKSHOP The Scottish Executive is organising a To welcome the eight Eastern European series of events in the Netherlands in Improving science Accession States joining the European the autumn to celebrate the liberation Union on 1 May 2004, a series of UK- of Dutch towns by Scottish troops 60 communication wide events is being organised covering years ago. The RSE has been invited to a range of subjects. The Scottish organise a one-day meeting similar to As part of the programme of joint element will be a bio-sciences that held during the “Scotland in activity with the British Council, workshop, to be held in Dundee. The Sweden” season in 2002. The theme Scotland, this seminar was held at RSE intention is to bring together eight of this meeting will be brain science from 4-9 April. Directed by BBC science young postdoctoral scientists from the and the event will be held in early presenter, Quentin Cooper, and held UK and eight from the Accession States October. For further information, during the Edinburgh International (one from each). Each of them will give please contact Michael White, Science Festival to enable participants a presentation about their own International Activities Manager. to take part in events at the Festival as research area in the UK or their own MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY well as attending the workshop country. There will be additional inputs sessions at the RSE, the seminar was from senior established UK researchers. As a follow-up to the “Scotland in attended by 33 participants from 20 The objective of the workshop will be Sweden” event on stem cell research, countries. to identify areas where there is held in Stockholm in October 2002, a return meeting is to be held in Scotland Seminar participants have now potential mutual benefit in established an electronic network and collaboration. in the autumn. A joint RSE/Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (RSAS) are keen to keep in touch. One of the This event will be held from 16 – 18 Conference on Current Research in visitors, Rachel Przeslawski, wrote a June and is being organised by the Mathematical Biology will be held on daily diary which is published on the Scottish Executive, British Council and 25 November 2004 at the Kelvin Gallery British Council Australia website: RSE. There will be three half-days of and Hunterian Museum, University of www2.britishcouncil.org/au/mindset/ discussion held in Dundee and three Glasgow, Gilmorehill Campus. mindset-aussies-in-the-uk/mindset- half-days of professional visits to 2004-edinburgh-science-festival- Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh, as Further details can be obtained from report.htm well as a programme of social events. the RSE events team, [email protected]

7 A Resource to be Harnessed

Report of a Symposium held at the Royal Society of Edinburgh to discuss the implications of changing life expectancy, fiscal, and social environment on the career and life pattern of older professional workers.

Legislative, demographic and economic factors, including constraints in the funding of pensions, now make the effective extension of working life both possible, inevitable, and perhaps on appropriate terms, desirable. ‘Cliff edge’ or ‘brick wall’ models for retirement are inappropriate and unwarranted from the medical evidence. Life is a continuum and there should be the minimum of arbitrary, prescriptive boundaries. No single pattern emerged as being universally applicable and the collective data available decline in fertility. Although much for society in general certainly concealed several important and distinct sub-groups. remains to be debated as to any Professional ‘knowledge workers’ formed one such group; less constrained by physical ‘optimum’ population strategy, the or motor skill requirements, and less, or not at all, dependent on state pension current stability of overall population provision. This group after extensive training and long experience often possessed figures conceals important changes in skills that remained in significant demand. Their interests were not demanding of the age structure. These changes are resources, but rather could be enabled to contribute both fiscally and in service to the likely to have far-reaching community. consequences and raise concerns as to the ability of the workforce, as currently Government legislation is now impending and it is appropriate to explore these issues configured, to support those in as they affect professional knowledge workers where institutions such as the Royal retirement. These changes can be most Society of Edinburgh can offer particular insight. The most important elements for graphically illustrated by population further consideration include: pyramids, although these might now · Identifying the changes in expectations and attitudes among professional workers be more appropriately described as that will follow from current developments and establishing areas of common population rectangles. The support interest; ratio, (population 16–64) / (population · Defining essential requirements in legislation and regulation to meet concerns in >64), encapsulates the essential specific professional areas; feature. For the UK as a whole the ratio is currently 4.1, but by 2050 it is · Reviewing attitudes and machinery for handling issues of professional competency predicted to fall to 2.3–2.6. For and encouraging the sharing of best practice; and Scotland, with a falling overall · Considering ‘objective and reasonable’ expectations with regard to career population, the ratio will be yet lower, development and progression planning in the light of society’s need for with the problems exacerbated by professional effectiveness. Scotland’s relatively high burden of There are presently 19 million people aged over 50 in Britain of which 7 million are in chronic ill health. some form of employment. This working group includes 70% of those aged 50 to 64 The economic costs of excluding the and 9% of those aged over 65. In comparison, 82% of the 25-49 age group are in elderly from the workforce and the employment. A difference that represents a loss of some £16 billion annually from changing demography are hard to the national GDP, including loss of tax revenues and social benefit costs. These rates quantify. In an economy where skill have been remarkably stable over the years but recently (2003) have shown a small shortages are likely to persist, the loss increase for both men and women. This recent trend, however, may still mask a long- of skilled workers is particularly term decline in economic activity, since the proportion of men aged 60-64 in significant. Market forces, substituting employment has fallen from 80% in 1968 to 40% in 1999. capital for labour, will partially International comparisons show that the UK holds a middle position among ameliorate these effects. However, developed countries, that at least partially reflects the nature of the national social human costs associated with poverty, welfare provision. Other measures, for example the employment rates for the 55–64 low self-esteem, ill health and social exclusion from the networks associated year old group (52.3% for the UK compared with an EU average of 38.8%), confirm this relatively favourable position. However, these central measures for the population with employment will be large, as will as a whole conceal wide variations with respect to gender, social class, employment the linked social costs of sector and geography. unemployment, poor health and inactivity. Malthusian pessimism in its catastrophic form seems unjustified for ‘Western’ nations Pensions are a particularly influential in a post-industrial phase. Increased longevity has been accompanied by a sharp factor. Public policy, with a high rate of

8 marginal taxation associated with a variety of means-tested benefits, and the aspirations. Attitudes to ambition, progressive transfer of risk from employer to employee, would mean that more than success, achievement and self-worth two-thirds of pensioners would be eligible for such benefits by 2050. This would be a were hard, perhaps almost impossible, powerful disincentive to saving, as would the loss of confidence in the stock market to change and would require sustained and pension products in general. More flexibility in regulation and taxation would be effort. Education, genuine and helpful. However, these factors, coupled with the increasing reluctance of employers lifelong, example and encouragement to sustain occupational pension schemes and the logic of a steadily increasing life would all be needed. expectancy, have an inescapable consequence, namely that future pensioners would The concept of life as a continuum, not achieve their expectations and aspirations in retirement income. That resource which emerged strongly in the medical gap would have to be met by other means. evidence, was seized upon as of general Popular perceptions of the aged and the ageing process are substantially misplaced. importance and as providing the thread Ageing is not a pre-programmed, biologically deterministic process, but is on which to at least rationalise, if not substantially influenced by environment and life style and is mediated by a slow plan. Distinctions between work and accumulation of damage. Fatalism, failure to accept personal responsibility and play, employment and retirement would negative stereotyping of expectations in ageing should be rejected. Life is a become less significant. Death to continuum. The changes in the demography, from pyramid to rectangle, already retirement, not retirement to death means that most people could now anticipate some 20 years of healthy, active life would be the key. after retirement with an unimpaired intellectual capacity. Current research also The concepts of ‘objectivity and suggests that the life span will be further increased, extending the rectangle to yet reasonableness’ likely to be enshrined greater ages. in legislation would need careful These considerations and their implications have already driven political action. In exploration in the light of issues of particular, the European Council Framework Directive 2000/78 concerning Equal competence, succession planning and Treatment will require the UK government to implement legislation. This legislation public protection. These concerns are will make discrimination on the basis of age unlawful in employment and vocational likely to develop under the scrutiny of training. Some exceptions will apply, for example, to the armed forces in Northern case law. The measurement of Ireland and, in the case of age discrimination if differences in treatment are ‘objectively ‘competence’ was already well and reasonably justified’, for example, by such means as actuarial calculations. developed in some professions, e.g. Changes in the present pattern of work and retirement are inevitable. They will be Medicine. Much could be gained by driven by demographic developments, by economic necessity, by individual choice and sharing best practice between ability, and by legislation. It is likely that the overall figures available conceal professions. substantial diversity amongst both employers and employees and more information in It was clear that substantial economic this respect is needed to inform policy. benefits could be achieved for both When we talk of tomorrow the Gods laugh! This is an appropriate warning as to the society and the individual from changes limitations of debate and intellectual analysis in a field subject, not only to the in expectation and regulation. This was interplay of individual preference, market and demographic forces, but also to not a zero sum game. regulation by local, national and European governments. Entrenched attitudes are to At a practical level, there is much to do. be expected, along with the simultaneous advance of orthogonal views; for example, The ‘customer’ must be clearly in the desire to leave head-room for younger people without corresponding loss of identified, and his or her contribution status or responsibility for older staff. Some participants saw themselves as belonging and needs have to be researched across to a ‘golden generation’ with subsequent generations destined to toil indefinitely - the range of disciplines and but perhaps that was no more than a comfort in old age. Nevertheless, some circumstances. Professional consensus emerged around concepts such as the need for flexibility, the importance of organisations should develop these changing society’s attitude to ageing and the need to view life as a continuum. ideas in their own constituencies and However, there were doubts as to where prime responsibility lay, with Government (EU perhaps work alongside the RSE in or UK), financial institutions, employers or individuals. In the final analysis much formulating a more considered depended on the ability of the individual to define his or her needs and expectations position. for later life and to plan and act accordingly. Blunt instruments were unpopular. Such legislatively simple, and seemingly economically predictable solutions, such as a ‘Raising of the Retirement Age’ would not meet the diversity of need and ambition. They might also even fail to fulfil economic expectations as, for example, in the case of employment following the Working Hours Directive. A full report, containing contributed A successful policy must work ‘with the grain’. Sadly, the tree of life is heavily knotted papers, is available from the Society and overall statistics provide a poor guide to individuals who must be afforded the (ISBN 0 902198 14 9) or in pdf format maximum flexibility. Different generations were likely to have markedly different on the RSE Website.

9 Scotland and the Media A Question of Trust

Trevor Royle Comments

Rarely before has the news media been there was now a state of truce in place under such scrutiny and subject to such of the earlier undeclared warfare. vilification, so much so that its Scotsman columnist Joyce Macmillan practitioners are in danger of becoming ended her contribution with the the story instead of the means of thought that the relationship had to be reporting it. a two-way process which was Recent events such as Lord Hutton’s dependent on many other factors: “I inquiry and the high profile think in building that relationship, in resignations of leading media figures trying to build a public which actually Image by Gary Doak ensured that there was always going to does ask for the truth and for be a high level of interest in the RSE’s reasonably sophisticated, but also hard. We hope to be builders and conference Scotland and the Media: A amusing and entertaining, information, unifiers, and sources of meaning for Question of Trust and so it proved. that is the way forward for us as the people who encounter our work.” journalists as well as for the whole The presence of Alastair Campbell, New culture in terms of supporting a The speakers included leading editors Labour’s master of spin was an added healthier media.” from a variety of news organisations. bonus, leading to a frenzy of flashbulbs Andrew Jaspan of the in the Wolfson Theatre, but far from When the planning for the conference and Iain Martin of the Scotsman being the devil incarnate imagined by began under the chairmanship of Lord represented the broadsheet clan and in his enemies he produced a reasoned Ross, the impetus was a widely time-honoured fashion could not resist argument which addressed one of the perceived breakdown in trust between having a dig at each other’s editorial conference’s main themes - concern the media and the new parliament with stance. (The Sunday Herald is perceived that hostile press coverage had some sections of the press, tabloid and as being pro-parliament, The Scotsman damaged the standing of the Scottish broadsheet, showing an active hostility less so.) Parliament. which was damaging the body politic. Bob Bird, editor of the Scottish News of Campbell thought not, and argued that As the committee’s work progressed the World offered an intriguing “we are in a calmer phase, perhaps this was widened to allow speakers to glimpse into the back-stabbing world there is a growing acceptance that the examine the quality of the product and of politics and the tabloid press’s parliament is neither is bad as the press the public standards expected of its delight in reporting it when he argued has painted it, nor, when it comes to practitioners. One of the committee’s that it was not the media which had making front page news, as good as members, Magnus Linklater, suggested forced Henry McLeish to resign as First they [the media] had hoped.” Others the sub-title of “A Question of Trust” Minister but his Labour colleagues. were less sure. and this allowed contributions from non-practitioners such as the Rt Rev From broadcasting, Val Atkinson of BBC Speaking in the last panel session The Richard Holloway, Tom Crone, the head Scotland and Paul McKinney of STV Way Forward Elaine Murray MSP of News International’s legal spoke about the rude health of their revealed that so deep was her distrust department and Tony Stoller, Director of respective news-gathering operations, of the Scottish press that she tried to Operations at . although the latter admitted, with keep out of their sights and confined commendable honesty, that there was a her contacts to the local press within It also allowed the inclusion of a tendency to favour the parish pump her Dumfries constituency. thought-provoking address by Bernard and to ignore the bigger picture. Marguerritte, a former editor of Le Somewhere between those extremes Monde who encouraged delegates to Although the bulk of the day was taken the conference came to a broad be optimistic both about their calling up with a wide-ranging examination of conclusion that while the relationship and what they could achieve through it the role of the media in Scotland, both between the media and Scottish “We live in an age of great hope, but within and outwith the UK context, it politicians had begun badly with the also great confusion, bringing things was not just a talking shop. In a opening of the new parliament in 1999 down is easy, building things up is personal address to delegates, Sir David Steel, the first presiding officer of the

10 Scottish Parliament, got the day off to a characteristically robust start by arguing for the reform of the Press Complaints Commission, the media’s watchdog. Having suffered at the hands of “bitch journalism” in the past, it was obviously a subject close to his heart and he attacked the body for being too incestuous, its membership being made up of media types, and too London-orientated. Continuing with the theme of devolution, he proposed the formation of a separate commission for Scotland and found support from Alex Neil, SNP’s MSP for Central Scotland, who argued that such a move might make it easier for ordinary people to make complaints. Inevitably in such wide-ranging discussions, there were repetitions and statements of the obvious - much as there are in any newspaper or television programme - and the conclusions were difficult to perceive. Politicians argued for greater understanding and the introduction of some honesty, whilst several journalists countered that they were neither in the business of making it easy for politicians nor were they paid to act as propagandists. Still, the conference did allow those concerns to be aired and discussed under the able chairmanship of James Naughtie of the BBC. James Naughtie. Image Courtesy of BBC In the aftermath of the row between the government and the BBC over Andrew Gilligan’s “sexed up report” about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, sparks could have flown between Naughtie and Alastair Campbell, but the presenter of the Article contributed by Trevor Royle, admirable Today programme had a solution, namely the RSE’s Hutton Room which FRSE, Scotland & the Media Organising could be used to incarcerate the master of spin if things got out hand. Committee. Associate Editor, The Sunday Herald Research Awards W S Bruce Medal CRF Prize Nominations are invited for this Medal which commemorates the work of Dr W S Bruce, explorer and scientific investigator in polar regions, and leader of the Scottish Lectureship in national Antarctic Expedition 1902-1904. The award is made by a joint committee of Arts and Letters the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. It is open to workers of all nationalities, preferably of Scottish birth or origin, or working in a Nominations are invited for the above Scottish research institution. Prize which is funded by the Caledonian Research Foundation. There Preference is given to workers at an early stage of their careers, usually in their 30’s is no geographical restriction on the The Medal is for some notable contribution to Zoology, Botany, Geology, domicile of the Prize Lecturer in Arts Meteorology, Oceanography or Geography; the contribution to be in the nature of and Letters and it is important that he/ new knowledge, the outcome of a personal visit or visits to polar regions by the she is a good communicator who will recipient. attract a large audience. The Prize Application forms, which should be returned by 14 June, are available on the RSE Lecturer is expected to be of the highest website. international repute, with no restriction on nationality. This Prize Lecture is Wellcome Trust Research Workshops normally given at a number of locations These workshops funded by the Wellcome Trust are again available in 2004. The Trust in Scotland. provides grants of up to £2500 in support of one-day Research Workshops to be held Nominations should be submitted to in Scotland and which bring together research staff, academic staff and clinicians to the Research Awards Office by discuss topics of common concern. Wednesday 30 June 2004. Workshops can be held in the fields of : Biomedical Sciences (including Behavioural Sciences) Prize Nomination forms can be found Veterinary Sciences on the RSE website or can be obtained History of Medicine from Anne Fraser or Jenny Liddell in the Research Awards Office, Application forms are available on the RSE Website, or can be obtained from the [email protected] Research Awards office ([email protected]) The closing date for applications is Monday 7 June 2004.

11 [email protected] TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RSE EVENTS. To book tickets online, visit FORTHCOMING EVENTS www.royalsoced.org.uk or contact [email protected] for further information.

JUNE 2004 Tuesday 1 June at 6pm Thursday 3 June at 5.30pm DISCUSSION FORUM **FREE PUBLIC LECTURE The Reliability of Fingerprint Identification The Coming Century - Ten Trends Mr Bruce Grant, Head of the Fingerprint To Back Bureau, New Scotland Yard; Professor James Starrs, Law and Forensic Sciences, Miss Frances Cairncross CBE FRSE, The George Washington University, Management Editor, The Economist Washington DC and Dr James Thorpe, Director, Forensic Unit, The University of Strathclyde. In recent months the reliability as well as the faith behind the science of fingerprint identification has come under some scrutiny. This discussion forum aims to examine the robustness of fingerprinting in the 21st Century. Should we rely on the evidence that fingerprinting provides?

Monday 14 June at 5.30pm FREE PUBLIC LECTURE From Entente to Alliance: The Anglo-French Relationship One Hundred Prediction is dangerous, especially about Years On the future, but in this lecture Frances Professor Hew Strachan FRSE, Chichele Professor of History of War and Fellow, All Souls Cairncross picks out ten trends that she College, Oxford believes will dominate the coming This year sees the centenary of the century, including examples from Entente Cordiale between Britain and demography, economy, technology and France. But the deal which they struck global politics. This will, for instance, be after centuries of enmity had no the first century in recorded time when obligations and little definition. It human numbers shrink; and may see life required the First World War to make expectancy at birth rise in some countries them true allies, and it was the Second to almost 100 years. World War which most nearly broke the relationship.

Photographs courtesy of the Imperial War Museum, London Q32896 (left), Q5100 (right).

Wednesday 16 June : Full Day CONFERENCE Scottish Publishing The theme of this conference is how best to develop and take forward the Scottish Publishing Industry. The objective is to discuss 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 to be explored, from the perspectives of publishers, support agencies and writers, will include the problems and opportunities facing publishing in Scotland, other countries as possible models and reflecting cultural diversity.

12 Wednesday 23 June at 2pm Bonar Hall, University of Dundee FREE PUBLIC LECTURE Scottish Agricultural and Biological Research Institutes (SABRI) lecture. Biotechnology, Organic Farming and Shaping our Agricultural Future Professor Monkombu S. Swaminathan FRS, UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology and President, Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs Global agriculture faces formidable challenges. Countries like India, China and Bangladesh must increase production under conditions of diminishing arable land, water resources, climate change and expanding stresses. Research on such issues must therefore be intensified. The development strategies adopted by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation will be described in this lecture. To achieve an ever-green revolution which will enhance farm productivity without ecological harm, molecular breeding and organic farming will need to be integrated. GM foods and organic foods should not be pitched one against the other. For further information, or to apply for tickets, please contact Sarah Stephens, Science Communication Officer, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA. Tel : 01382 560 000. Email : [email protected]. A pre-lecture buffet will be available from 1.00pm.

Image courtesy of Professor Swaminathan SEPTEMBER 2004 Monday 6 September at 5.30pm Monday 27 September at 6pm **BRUCE PRELLER PRIZE LECTURE FREE DISCUSSION FORUM The Threat of Terrorism: The Place of Science Preserving the Values of Secular Professor Sir Keith O’Nions FRS, Director General of Research Councils, Office of Science Europe in a Time of Religious and Technology Turbulence Rapid advances in science and technology Dr A C Grayling, Reader in Philosophy, are increasingly available globally with Birkbeck College, London and Professor great social and economic benefits. John J Haldane FRSE, Professor of However, in the wrong hands they emerge Philosophy, University of St Andrews. as threats to society of a form we have not previously had to counter. This poses the immediate difficulty of balancing the benefits and disbenefits of regulating the flow of technology and know-how around the world. There is an ongoing need to identify threats posed by new advances such as in biotechnology and nanotechnology. But our response to these and existing know-how must cover the much broader domain of intelligence, (Professor Haldane) The question of how diplomacy, military and civil contingency. to preserve the values of secular Europe in a time of religious turbulence has as Thursday 30 September : Full Day its counterpart that of how to preserve CONFERENCE the values of religious Europe in a time Scotland’s Land of secularisation. Is there an opposition The countryside is undergoing a period of exceptional change that will alter forever the between humanist and religious ideals or landscape and rural economy of Scotland. A wealth of new legislation is either planned do they share common values? Is or being implemented. Measures include: Access Code, National Parks, Agricultural traditional humanism a fruit of Europe’s Holdings Act, CAP Reform, Conservation Bill and a possible Planning Bill. Legislation Judaeo-Christian foundation, which may fulfil social, political and conservation objectives but, arguably, may not be able to cannot survive, let alone flourish, when deliver in economic terms. Increasing, competing demands are being placed on the land severed from it? and those who work the land with no obvious solutions. Conservation, tourism & (Dr Grayling) The values characteristic of recreation, farming, forestry, academic and business speakers will examine the issues, the West’s liberal democracies were hard highlight useful case studies, suggest relevant solutions and examine what won in the five centuries following the opportunities change will bring. Afternoon workshops will allow delegates to give in Reformation. Understanding the threats depth consideration to these matters. they face is the first step to protecting them. ** These Lectures form part of RSE Ordinary Meetings and may be preceded by Society Business, such as new Fellows signing the Roll, etc. 13 Free, fully organised educational activities for young Young People people throughout Scotland RSE Roadshow 15-16 March on the Isle of Skye, as part of National Science Week

Discussion Forum : Energy Crisis - what are the alternatives? for S5 and S6 Students Wednesday 16 June 2004 at the Crichton Campus, Dumfries, 9.30am – 3.30pm S5/6 students from Dumfries and Galloway will hear from the experts and make up their mind as to how Scotland should proceed to ensure that in 2020 we fulfil the This year the Roadshow paid a visit to government target of supplying 40% of electricity from renewable sources. In the Isle of Skye. There was something addition to electricity, how will we supply our future transport and heating energy for everyone with hands-on workshops needs? The students’ proposals will be compiled in a report, which will be sent to and talks for primary and secondary decision-making bodies, including the Scottish Parliament, so that the views of the students, as well as a talk for the public. young people can be heard. For further information, please contact [email protected] Professor Miles Padgett FRSE ran bridge building workshops at primary schools all over the island. The p6/7 students Talk Science learnt about forces and shapes and how The Talk Science series has been taking speakers to schools as far apart as Stranraer they were applied to bridge design. The and Strontian. For information on the Talk Science programme, see the RSE website, students then built their own bridges www.royalsoced.org.uk, where posters showing curriculum links can be downloaded, with a prize for the team that built the or contact [email protected]. The following talks will be held over the strongest. summer term: Dr Greig Chisholm of Ciba Speciality 28 May Captain Cook and the Cosmic Yardstick by Dr Martin Hendry at Chemicals, explained to students at Ardnamurchan Community School, Strontian. Portree High School how colour 8 June Maths Matters by Dr Bruce Davies at Selkirk High School chemistry was important to humans throughout history to the present day, Startup Science Masterclasses from the use of natural pigments in Saturday morning science masterclasses for S1/S2 students, emphasising the role of cloth dying to the advent of CDs and science, engineering and technology in society. These imaginative events enable plasma screen TVs. students to investigate a variety of topics in greater detail, through hands-on, fun Broadcast meteorologist Heather Reid activities. not only ran workshops for local primary Four consecutive, weekly masterclasses are held at various locations throughout school students but also gave a ‘sell-out’ Scotland. Spring series at Heriot-Watt, Glasgow, Dundee and St Andrews Universities talk for the general public. The talk have just finished. For further information, see the RSE website, or contact explained how the latest technology like [email protected] super computers and satellites are used Maths Masterclasses to forecast the weather – a topic of great local interest given the wet and windy Aimed at primary school children, these classes show that maths is fun and creative, weather the islanders had been whilst presenting children in their final years of primary school with challenging experiencing! investigations, designed to develop problem-solving, intuition and analytical skills through games and puzzles. The Masterclasses take place on Saturday mornings, over four weeks. Further information can be found on the RSE website. Summer School : 2-6 August 2004 in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, and supported by City of Edinburgh, East Lothian and Mid Lothian Councils.

Aimed at S5/6 students, this non-residential Summer School will give students the opportunity to have a taste of university life. Students will take part in a variety of workshops, find out about careers and courses and improve some of their transferable Primary school students building skills. The Summer School is open to students from schools run by the City of bridges at the Roadshow on the Isle of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian Councils. For more information contact Skye. [email protected] or see www.royalsoced.org.uk

14 Fellows’ Notice Board FELLOWS DECEASED THE ELECTION PROCESS GOLF CHALLENGE It is with much regret that we record Fellows are reminded that from this This year the Fellows’ Golf Challenge the deaths of the following Fellows : year the closing date for nominations will be held at Dunblane Golf Club, Perthshire, on Monday 16 August. The Violet R Hutton for Fellowship (and for updating cost will be around £35 and will Douglas S Falconer continuing nominations) is 31 May. Fellows are asked to also submit include a light lunch on arrival, Robert B Goudie nominations electronically wherever followed by 18 holes of golf and an George P Henderson possible. early evening meal. Please register your Christopher Longuet-Higgins interest with Lesley Campbell at Stanley D Nisbet For the forthcoming election cycle, [email protected] Council has approved a reduction in Donald E R Watt the number of Sectional Committees Sir Alwyn Williams from 21 to 12. This is in response to SUMMER RECEPTION the increasing number of This year’s Summer Reception for OBITUARY NOTICES interdisciplinary candidates, and is an Fellows and their guests will take place The Society is committed to providing attempt to resolve the current wide in Dundee on Friday 2 July 2004. an obituary for every deceased Fellow. disparity in numbers of candidates The Reception will begin at 7.30pm The Fellowship Office being considered by the sectional and includes a buffet supper. Other ([email protected]) would committees. Council has also agreed activites on offer to Fellows prior to therefore be grateful for suggestions that the feasibility of introducing a this and throughout the evening, will and offers of Obituary writers for postal ballot for the election of Fellows include: Stanley D Nisbet above and for the next Session should be investigated. · an opportunity to hear the annual following Fellows who died in 2000: D M Guthrie (8 Feb); M Gordon (3 Dundee Greatest Minds lecture March); R H Thomson (23 April); A C delivered by Andrew Marr, of the Offord (4 June); A S T Thomson (20 BBC; Oct); W M Henderson (29 Nov); M F · a private visit to Sensation Science Strachan (30 Nov). Centre, to view the new dinosaur exhibition and try out some of the other exhibits; AWARDS, APPOINTMENTS AND CITATIONS · a possible visit Dundee Alan Alexander has been appointed David Ingram has been awarded the Contemporary Arts (DCA) centre; to the Council of the ESRC for three Victoria Medal of Honour of the Royal years from August 2003. Horticultural Society. The highest · an opportunity to view a selection of accolade of the RHS. Sculptures from Duncan of Sir Michael Atiyah, has been awarded Jordanstone Art College. the 2004 Abel Prize jointly with Isadore Andrew Miller has been appointed M Singer. Secretary and Treasurer of the Carnegie Tickets, priced at £25 per person are Trust for the Universities of Scotland. available from the RSE Events Office. Geoffrey Boulton has been appointed Subject to sufficient demand, transport to the Council of Science and Roland Paxton recently gave the to and from Dundee will be arranged Technology by the Prime Minister. Huntington Library’s Trent-Dames from Glasgow and Edinburgh. (There Lecture 2004 on the subject of ‘Robert Peter Grant has been awarded the will be a small additional charge for Louis Stevenson’s Family of Engineers Faraday Medal of the IEE. this.) and its American dimension’ Further details are available from Graham Teasdale has been awarded [email protected]. the Medal of Honour by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Staff News

Colin Nelson, Facilities Assistant, left Rebecca Gibson, Telephonist/ Anne Ferguson, Research Awards the Society in February 2004. His Receptionist moved from Edinburgh in Manager married in April and is now replacement, Andy Curran, joined the April 2004. She has been replaced by known as Anne Fraser. staff in May. Zoe Eccles, who joined the staff in May.

15 Appreciation Sir Alwyn Williams, FRS, FRSE, MRIA (1921-2004) was unforgettable. Beneath its very the substantial Treatise on Invertebrate polished delivery, was a clear analysis Palaeontology and its subsequent (unsettling for many who heard it) of revision. how the Society and the academic In addition to his scientific world would need to adapt, in order to achievements, Sir Alwyn was an have the relevance necessary to survive outstanding committee man. He was a into the 21st century. most skilful chairman, where his wit, Sir Alwyn was a most distinguished Welsh eloquence and astute insight geologist, having held academic posts transformed many a gathering into a in that subject at Glasgow, Queen’s memorable, pleasurable occasion - even Belfast and Birmingham, before for those who did not get all they returning to Glasgow University in wanted! These gifts he not only 1976 as Regius Principal. It was, deployed for the considerable benefit therefore, particularly fitting that the of the University of Glasgow and the first in a continuing series of major Royal Society of Edinburgh, but for international geological conferences - many other bodies, including the The Hutton Conferences - should have Scottish Agricultural Colleges and been held in Edinburgh during his Scottish Hospitals Endowment Research Image courtesy of University of Glasgow Presidency. The conference proceedings Trust. He also played an important role Sir Alwyn was President of the Royal were published in the Society’s in the development of the Scottish Society of Edinburgh from 1985 to Transactions: Earth Sciences, thereby National Museums and the Williams 1988 and his achievements in that role maintaining the link to James Hutton’s report on the National Museum of have been of lasting benefit to the own Theory of the Earth published in Antiquities helped shape their direction Society. The purchase of the Society’s the first volume of Transactions. Sir and subsequent transformation. fine premises, after tortuous Alwyn’s reputation as a geologist was His scholarship and clear sense of negotiations, provided a secure base widely recognised, both nationally and vision, combined with the ability to for subsequent developments of the internationally - he was an Honorary translate this into convincing practical Society and gave impetus to its wider Fellow of the Geological Society of outcomes made him an inspirational recognition as Scotland’s National America and a foreign Member of the leader. Although Welsh by birth and Academy of Science and Letters. This Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and education, he long regarded Scotland, process was also much helped by Sir helped encourage closer links between and especially Glasgow, as his true Alwyn being a Fellow of the Royal PAN and RSE. home where he will be sadly missed by Society of London and Member of the The many heavy demands of being many. Royal Irish Academy. As such, he was Principal at an increasingly challenging But no appreciation of Sir Alwyn would particularly well placed to foster much time for the academic world did not be complete without mentioning his closer links with these sister Academies bring his research activity to a halt and remarkable wife, Joan, who so ably and the first tripartite meeting of their he continued to publish; but this was supported and encouraged him Presidents took place at RSE. This set only possible by starting very early in throughout 55 years of marriage. the scene for continuing excellent the morning in the lab, before devoting Individually they were delightful and relations based on a clear a full day to the duties of being most convivial company - together they understanding of the complementary Principal. After retiring in 1988, he were an unforgettable partnership. To role of the RSE in relation to the other devoted his time enthusiastically to her, their children Gareth and Sian, leading national academies of Britain research and created a Palaeobiology sincere sympathies on their great loss. and Ireland. Unit at Glasgow University where he A memorial service will be held at His Presidential Address “A Society for worked tirelessly. His energy and Glasgow University in October. the Learned and the Leisured” delivered devotion to research seemed almost as he demitted office in October 1988, limitless and he also played a key role in

COPY DATE ADDRESS INFORMATION The copy date for the next issue is 22-26 GEORGE STREET website: www.royalsoced.org.uk 31 July 2004. Please send copy to EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND www.rsescotlandfoundation.org.uk Jennifer Cameron at the Society. EH2 2PQ e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Any opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Tel: 0131 240 5000 ReSourcE : ISSN No 1473-7841 all RSE Fellows Fax: 0131 240 5024 replaces RSE News