Microbiology Awareness Campaign Scotland SGM Council, through Microbiology in Scotland I opened by explaining the functions and aspirations of OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: its Professional Affairs the SGM, not just as Europe’s largest microbiology Delegates at the SGM Microbiology society, but as a truly joined-up organization with Awareness Campaign Scotland Officer Geoffrey Schild Janet Hurst event held in Edinburgh on 4 March. and with the help of members, activities and journals covering all shades many members, has and specialisms microbiological, and as a one-stop-shop LEFT: Many people receive an education in microbiology in for advice. Hugh Pennington with Elaine initiated a campaign Scottish schools, colleges and higher education institu- Obeisance (fully justified by any criteria) was Murray MSP (top) and Tom McCabe to raise the awareness tions. Compared with the rest of the UK, a high pro- MSP, Deputy Minister for Health then made to the outstanding contributions made by and Community Care (bottom). of microbiology to UK portion of medical practitioners and vets are trained scientists in Scotland. Even in Edinburgh it is permis- politicians and their there. Microbiological work of all kinds is carried out in a sible to say that Joseph Lister’s microbiologically based PHOTOS RON FRASER, SGM supporting staff. It also wide range of excellent research institutes, agencies, revolutionary surgical innovations in the 1860s and wishes to alert them university departments and hospitals. The commercial 1870s were worked out in Glasgow! These kinds of to the existence of the biotechnology sector, much of which is underpinned by contributions continue, of course, and I pointed out microbiology, is successful and provides considerable Society as a source that Scotland continues to punch above its weight in employment. The EU recognizes Scotland as a dedicated of information and to microbiological science both in research output and Biotechnology Cluster. as a net exporter of microbiologists; the only thing stress the importance Scottish politicians and civil servants often have to of professional preventing it doing even better are funding constraints. make important policy decisions on microbiological The rest of my presentation addressed current micro- microbiologists. issues. The health of people, animals and plants, agri- very brief talks and delegates were also able to browse spring.’ This will be in the light of the Scottish Science biological challenges, ones of the kind that legislators The Campaign will culture, the environment, food and drink production around the 20 displays which showed the huge breadth Advisory Committee’s recent report Science Matters which understand. Bat rabies killed a wildlife worker in Tayside be moving around (think whisky!) all fall within their remit. Yet how many of microbiology practised by Scottish organizations. identifies broad subject areas, including biological a couple of years ago, the first indigenous UK trans- the country, but where MSPs are scientists, let alone microbiologists? The 107 people attended the event, including 14 MSPs – sciences, biotechnology, medical and veterinary sciences, mission for almost a century and an opening example of SGM affiliates better to launch it than answer to the first question is in single figures and to the a very good turnout considering the busy session that that are of key importance in the context of a Scottish the theme running through my talk, the fact that second, none! With 600+ members in Scotland, the to Scottish in Scotland where day in the Scottish Parliament. Labour MSP Dr Elaine Science Strategy. Tom was glad to hear that the SGM has microbes present a unique challenge to policymakers Parliament microbiology has a SGM is well-placed to provide the Scottish Parliament Murray, a former deputy minister who is a scientist, gave made a connection with the Committee and encouraged and the scientists advising them because they evolve in Science with expert guidance. high profile? the introduction and welcomed the SGM to Scotland. the Society to develop these links as the Committee real time. Information She was followed by SGM President Hugh Pennington, moves into a new important phase of work to recommend The next example was E.coli O157. The outbreaks at Service (SPSIS) The event a well known figure in Scottish medical and food the priorities in the medium and long term for science Wishaw in 1996 and at the New Deer Millennium Scout The service has been set up On 4 March SGM hosted an event at ‘The Hub’ on safety circles, who described the Society’s activities expenditure. Camp in 2000 were described to make the points that Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, conveniently located just across to ensure that all MSPs have before talking on human and animal microbiology issues In conclusion he said, ‘It is fair to say that while society at this novel pathogen has had more impact on human access to reliable, rapid and the road from the Scottish Parliament. All Scottish MPs in Scotland (see p. 89). David Onions, Professor of large may be unaware of the impact the microbiologist has on health in Scotland than in any other country, that it BELOW: impartial information on and senior staff from relevant departments of the Scottish Veterinary Virology at the University of Glasgow and their quality of life, those of us who have attended events such as continues to be commoner there than anywhere science-, engineering- and Inside spread from the SGM Executive were invited to meet a wide range of micro- Microbiology Awareness Campaign founder of Q-One Biotech, now part of the Invitrogen/ today’s are afforded the opportunity to become much better else, and even if the incidence of human infections technology-related issues to Scotland leaflet. biologists over lunch. The programme included some BioReliance group, explained why microbiology means informed. May I therefore compliment the Society on today’s has fallen (maybe due to control measures) we still do assist with parliamentary activities. The service is •10 business. The diverse aspects of aquatic microbiology seminar and more generally on the extremely valuable not understand why Scotland has been singled out. were then explored by Brian Austin, Professor of contribution it makes to promoting microbiology through the Scotland escaped SARS. I pointed out that this was provided through a network of topic co-ordinators who are Microbiology at Heriot-Watt University (see p. 90). range of activities it sponsors, not least the international good luck; unlike guests from Singapore, Hong Kong, established in their field •7 conferences it regularly holds in Scotland.’ Vietnam and Canada no Scots had been staying at the Aberdeen and will provide expert 2• The politician’s view This endorsement brought a most successful event to a Hotel Metropole in Hong Kong during the residence information that MSPs can Dundee The proceedings were wrapped up by Tom McCabe, close. there of ‘Patient A’ from Guandong who was suffering use to make their own microbiology in 11 8• • 12• MSP, Deputy Minister for Health and Community Care, from the disease. judgements. Established scotland 13• programme exhibitors Glasgow An overview of microbiology sites in Scotland – Edinburgh 1 who took time out of a hectic schedule to attend. Bioterrorism was considered and put into perspective by the Royal Society of this list is not exhaustive and does not include hospital •14 • laboratories and industry 9 • 1230 Drinks and buffet BioIndustry Association (Scotland) Aberdeen •3, 4, 5 In contrast to the previous contributions, Tom talked by my final pathogen, influenza, with reminders of Edinburgh, Royal Society of Fisheries Research Services 1300 Elaine Murray, MSP European Association of Fish Pathologists Microbiological challenges: Food Standards Agency Scotland Chemistry and the Scottish 6 about science from a political angle. He emphasized how 1918, with at least 20 million deaths, and an illustration Macaulay Land Use Research Institute • Introduction and welcome Fisheries Research Services National Collections of Industrial, Food & Marine Bacteria Parliament Information Robert Gordon University 1310 Hugh Pennington, SGM President National CJD Surveillance Unit delighted he was to support the SGM campaign and the role of the SGM of President Ford being vaccinated on 14 October 1976 Rowett Research Institute The role and activities of the SGM Rowett Research Institute Scottish Agricultural College Aberdeen Campus International Centre for Brewing and Distilling Centre (SPICe), SGM is Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Services Aberdeen how he understood the need for microbiologists. He on television during the swine ‘flu crisis in the United Moredun Research Institute followed by: Royal Society of Edinburgh Scottish Food Advisory Committee Napier University School of Life Sciences honoured to be invited to University of Aberdeen Faculty of Medicine & Medical Sciences National Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Surveillance Unit Hugh Pennington Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Services Human and animal health issues in recognized the important part microbiology played States which led to the unnecessary vaccinations of University of Aberdeen Institute of Medical Sciences Roslin Institute University of Aberdeen School of Biological Sciences Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scotland Scottish Agricultural Science Agency become an affiliated University of Aberdeen School of Medical Sciences Scottish Agricultural College Edinburgh Campus in Scottish