Annual Review April 2008 – March 2009

8/6/2019 Annual Review April 2008 March 2009

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Annual ReviewApril 2008 March 2009

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R O Y A L S O C I E T Y O F E D I N B U R G H A N N U A L R E V I E W 08 I 09

Having succeeded Sir Michael Atiyah as President

half-way through the period reviewed here, I shouldlike to pay a warm tribute to my predecessor for hisleadership and enthusiasm during his three-yearperiod in office. The glorious statue by SandyStoddart of James Clerk Maxwell (and his dog Toby)is an outward and visible sign of Michael Atiyahspresidency. The genius of Clerk Maxwell now has afitting memorial in the city of his birth and near tothe headquarters of the Society of which he was aFellow.

That is only one of the many activities of theSociety during the year. A well-researched andwell-received report on Hills and Islands wasproduced under the Chairmanship of Gavin McCronein October. Those involved in its production travelledwidely to collect evidence and advice; they alsopublicised and discussed the reports conclusionsnot only with Government Ministers and politicians,but also at public meetings in the communitiesaffected. This is an excellent example of the RSEreaching out to communities throughout Scotland.

Another such example was the RSE@Arbroathproject, taking the Societys expertise to a local leveland kindling enthusiasm amongst young peoplefor both science and the arts.

One important development during the year hasbeen the bringing together of the CaledonianResearch Foundation and the Societys charitabletrust, the RSE Scotland Foundation. The transferof the Caledonian Research Foundations assetsof 6.3 million to the stewardship of the Society

is a welcome vote of confidence. It will also makeit possible to reduce overhead expenditure andthus devote more of the Caledonian Research

Foundations resources to its long-standing

commitment to backing research.

In the public arena an increasing number ofcarefully considered Advice Papers, StrategyPapers and responses to calls for comments onGovernment policy initiatives demonstrates theSocietys growing role as a source of informed,non-political advice on issues of importance toScotland and the wider world.

The details of what we seek to achieve throughour many activities is the subject of the pages thatfollow. Through achieving these goals we alsocontribute to the work and aspirations of others,for example the Scottish Governments nationalstrategic objectives and outcomes, and the aimsof individual bodies such as the Gannochy Trust.

None of this could be achieved without the timeand expertise provided by the Fellows of the Society.We benefit enormously from having a Fellowshipwhich covers the whole range of intellectual andpublic life in Scotland. In this we are a true child ofthe Enlightenment. Nor could it be achieved withoutthe loyal and hard-working support of the staff of theSociety and the leadership provided by the SeniorOfficers and the Convenors of our committees.We owe them all a great debt of gratitude both forwhat they have done in the past year and in theexpectation of even more to be achieved in theyear ahead.

Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG PRSE

Introduction fromthe RSE President


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providing public benefit through:

increasing the number of world-class scienceand culture researchers working in Scotland

RSE and CRF Link up to Support ResearchIn Spring 2009, the Caledonian Research Foundation (CRF) joined with theRSE Scotland Foundationto deliver a joint programme of activities in support of research in Scotland, and transferred its

activity portfolio and assets, around 6.3m, to the RSE Scotland Foundation, which is nowresponsible for delivering these within its wider programme of activities. TheCRF will cease to existfrom the summer of 2009, but its charitable objectives will continue to be met through the RSEScotland Foundation. The Caledonian Research Foundation is a Scottish Charity which hassupported independent research in Scotland, particularly in thebiomedical sciences, since 1990.The results of this research in the longer term will help improve the health of the nation and beyond.The RSE already delivered some activities on behalf of the CRF, which made the transfer of theCRFs assets and operations and its responsibility for the wider portfolio, both judiciousanduncomplicated. To ensure the smooth transition, three CRF Governorsalso became RSE ScotlandFoundation Trustees and will serve as such until 2012. See case study on page 11.

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Professor John Coggins OBE FRSE, Chairman of the CRFGovernors (pictured left) with Professor Andrew Miller,CBE FRSE, Chairman of the RSE Scotland Foundation

RSE Research AwardsIn addition to the Scottish Government-funded awards, the RSE continues to support some of themost outstanding youngscientists and innovators working in Scotland today through funding fromvarious other sources. The benefits of their research are far-reaching, with work in areas such ashealthcare, theenvironment andour ageing population, astronomy, engineering andthe arts andhumanities. All of the awards serve to advance the social and economic well-being of Scotland,making it a healthier, wealthier and safer country in which to live. See case studieson pages 1013.It is only through valuable partnerships with key bodies such as BP,CRF, LloydsTSB Foundation forScotland. Scottish Enterprise, BBSRC and STFC, as well as several generous bequests, that the

RSE can provide these awards and support so many early-career scientists.

The annual Awards Ceremony was held this year in theGreat Hall of Edinburgh Castle

Expansion of Scottish Government-funded Fellowship schemeThis year saw the final implementation of all of the recommendations of the 2005 Enderby report.The Scottish Government-funded scheme now offerssix, five-year fellowships per year and is thelargest and most prestigious fellowship scheme administered by the RSE for postdoctoralresearchers. Through the RSEs recent successful application to the Marie Curie COFUND schemeunder the EU Framework Programme 7, the RSE has also been awarded 0.9 million over four yearsto internationalise its existing Research Fellowships and encourage greater international mobility ofresearchers. This was the only award made from the scheme to a UK applicant. The RSE is delightedto have this opportunity to support greater international mobility of researchers in Scotland andhopes that the scheme will grow from strength to strength. This scheme goes some way to ensuringa better educatedand more skilled population whilst encouraging knowledge transfer andinnovation.

Fiona Hyslop MSP (pictured) Cabinet Secretary forEducation and Lifelong Learning, hosted this years RSEaward ceremony on behalf of the Scottish Government


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increasing Scotlands research anddevelopment connections internationally

Building International RelationshipsCurrently the RSE has bilateral agreements with eleven countries and informal agreements with afurther four. A Memorandum of Understanding with TheAcademy of Sciences Malaysia was signed

in Spring 2008 and in March 2009, an Agreement was signed with the Royal Society of New Zealand.

The RSE continues to promote Scotlandoverseas through its relationships with these sisterorganisations and by encouraging thetwo-way flow of researchers. The International ExchangeProgramme is open to Scottish-based researchers of at least postdoctoral status for visits of up tofour weeks to or from Scotland. This supported 118 person-weeks of exchanges during the year.Case-studies of these visits are featured on pages 910.

The RSE also brings together top-class researchers through joint workshops, which have been heldthis year with theNational Science Council of Taiwan and theNational Natural Science Foundationof China.

The RSE European LectureSir John D K Grant KCMG gave the annual European Lecture in May 2008. The EU was conceivedin a different era: the key challenges of the21st century globalisation, climate change, terrorismand weapons of mass destruction, and poverty in Africa were far from the minds of its FoundingFathers. Its institutions are widely seen as complex and arcane. Public opinion is indifferent orhostile. And when the EU tries to re-invent itself, the outcome seems to be political controversy, nota coherent and purposive continent. So is the EU past its best, and will it be relevant in the worldtomorrow? Sir John addressed these topics in his lively and interesting lecture andconcluded bysaying that despite its imperfections, the EU is our best hope for the future. It may look muddled,

he explained, but the alternative is worse.

Visit by the Chinese Academy of SciencesA high-level delegation from theChinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), led by its President, ProfessorLu Yongxiang,visited the RSE on 18 December 2008. They met firstly with Professor Anne Glover CBE,FRSE, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, to discuss Professor Lus involvement in the major SaltirePrizeChallenge Committee, chaired by Professor Glover.

The RSE and CAS then discussed the scope for even closer research cooperation between Scotlandand China, mediated through the MOU between the RSE and CAS, signed in 2002 by Professor Luand Lord Wilson, then International Convener. Topicssuch as clean energy technology, sustainableenvironment and information and communication technologies were identified as being of mutualinterest. Both organisations are keen to develop joint activities that will enhance cooperation betweenacademia and industry in both Scotland and China.

Professor Glover and Lord Wilson pictured withthe President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,

Professor Lu Yongxiang

Joint RSE/NSFC Workshop participants picturedat Tsinghua University


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improving connections betweenbusiness and academia

Gannochy Trust Innovation AwardThe sixth Gannochy Trust Innovation Award of the Royal Society of Edinburgh was presented toDr Colin Urquhart, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow-based Dimensional Imaging Ltd. Dr Urquhart

received his award from the Gannochy Trust Chairman, Mr Mark Webster and Lord Wilson ofTillyorn PRSE, at a prestigious awards ceremony held at theSociety in October 2008. The awardrecognised the development of Dimensional Imagings D13DTM system, which providesabreakthrough in 3D image capture which could transform practices in fields as diverse as burnstreatment and facial surgery,orthodontics, dermatology, psychology and entertainment. This awardcontinues to encourage research, business and innovation in Scotland which leads to commercialdevelopment having both a social and economic benefit in the long term.


An image illustrating the technology was projected onto theRSE building during the evening of the award ceremony

Scottish Bioinformatics ForumAt the beginning of 2008, the ScottishBioinformatics Forum (SBF) began operating under thegovernance of the RSE Scotland Foundation.Funded throughthe Scottish Bioinformatics ResearchNetwork, the SBF performs an important role in promoting bioinformatics as a key enablingtechnology that brings economic benefits to the life sciences industrybasedin Scotland. Onewayin which the SBFsupportscommercial organisationsis by providing or sourcing expert advice todemonstrate to companies how bioinformatics canenhance their business. Advice canrangefrom how to use bioinformatics as an enabling technology, to answering questions on specificbioinformatics routines, giving companies the confidence to develop new approaches to their research

and development. A typical project withina companywould involve initial meetingsbetween SBFmanagement andthe companyto identifyareas where bioinformatics couldenhance their work andgive them a competitive edge. A project would then be scoped out, andsuitable expertsidentified towork on that project.The SBFbrings an objective outlook andcan mediate potential projects to ensurethat the most positive outcomes are achieved for both the company andthe bioinformatics community.

RSE Enterprise Fellowships

The Enterprise Fellowship schemes are designed to encourage commercialisation of technology-based business ideas from academic institutions into spin-out companies. This encourages businessstart-ups and helps create sustainable companies with high-value jobs and contributes to theeconomy in the long term. Thecompanies formed to date have been in healthcare, drug discoveryand delivery,renewable energy and software for financial services, education and data processing.The RSE administers three Enterprise Fellowship Schemes, funded separately by Scottish Enterprise(SE), the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC, formerly PPARC) and the Biotechnologyand Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Twenty two eligible applications were received inthefirst roundof Phase 3 of the RSE/SE Enterprise Fellowships programme. This was an excellentstart to the new phase of the programme, with eight awards made starting in October 2008. A furtherthree Fellows were appointed at the second round of 2008.

Both of theResearch Council schemes operate on a UK wide basis andencouragethecommercialisationof research previously funded by BBSRCandSTFC. Four BBSRCEnterprise Fellowstook up post in

October 2008. OneSTFC Enterprise Fellowship awarded in January 2008 began in October 2008.

Dr Iva Navratilova, University of Dundee (pictured)Scottish Enterprise Enterprise Fellow 2008


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increasing the number of people inScotland who adopt science as a career

RSE and the CommunityA year-long programme of educational activities in Arbroath, planned to celebrate and exploretheachievements andcultural diversity of the town, came to an end in December 2008. Working

collaboratively throughout the year, key organisations local to Arbroath teamed up with the RSE, tooffer events to school pupils andmembers of the public, exploring Arbroaths rich history, characterand contribution to the world. The final event in the programme was the Annual Christmas SchoolsLecture which wasdelivered in the afternoon to S5/6 pupils at Arbroath High School andrepeated tomembers of the public that evening. Professor Anne Glover CBEFRSE, Chief Scientific Adviser forScotland, who herself comes from Arbroath, presented thelecture, which she entitledScience andArbroath in the21st Century.

Schools Lecture Programme RSE@SchoolsRSE@Schools talks are available for P6/P7 pupils and all secondary school years. They aim toenthuse and excite students about a wide range of topics and a number of speakers contribute totheprogramme, keen to share their enthusiasm for their subjects with students. During this yeartheprogramme involved talks delivered by 12 different speakerswho talked on subjects includingastronomy, computing, genetics,physics, biology, maths and culture and the arts. These talkswere delivered in 14 schools at various locations acrossScotland, principally outwith theCentral Belt, to over 2,500 pupils. Theprogramme conveyed to pupils the fascination of thetopics and demonstratedthe relationship between subjects studied at school, their daily lives

and future careers.

Quiz the DragonsSchool students pitched their business ideas to leading local, national andinternationalentrepreneurs in an event held in Arbroath, loosely based on the television programme,Dragons Den.In advance the students worked in teams to devise money-making schemes specifically designed toattract more visitors to the area. Three teams were then selected to take part in the final, when S3and S4 pupils were also invited to join in quizzing senior business figures about the secrets of theirsuccess. In devising their business plans,the teams had been asked to consider their market sector,carry out market research, plan the finance and think through any production processes andemployment opportunities involved.

The winning team: Oh La La! from ArbroathHigh School

An Educational Art Gallery has been opened at Arbroathrailway station, exhibiting work produced by local primaryschool pupils during RSE@Arbroath


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enhancing the publics appreciation andunderstanding of science and culture issues

Perspectives of the Arab WorldIn partnership with the Centrefor the Advanced Study of the Arab World (a consortium ofEdinburgh, Durhamand Manchester universities), the RSE hosted a series of five lectures aimed at

providing the public with a greater perspective and insight into the Arab World. The series focusedon differing aspects of the Arab world and each speaker brought a wealth of subject expertise andknowledge which wasshared with more than 600 peoplewho attended theseries.

Major General Simon Mayall, Assistant Chief of the General Staff, Ministry of Defence, discussedJihad and the Surge in Iraq, addressing the failure of the Coalition properly to plan for a post-Saddam Iraq. Professor Carole Hillenbrand FRSA FRSE, examined theenduring reputation ofSaladin, the medieval Muslim hero of the Crusades. Professor Robert HillenbrandFRSE reflectedon Islamic art within the context of its instantly recognisable cachet. Professor Mona Siddiqui FRSAFRSE, considered Islam and the day of judgement a fundamental belief of the Islamic faith andProfessor Robert Hoyland explored the running of the early Islamic state.


Visit by UK Chief ScientistThe RSE welcomed Professor John Beddington, Chief Scientific Adviser to HM Government andHead of theGovernment Office for Science in February 2009. While in Edinburgh, ProfessorBeddington met several groups, including senior scientistsfrom Scottish Research Pools,educators, and 30 early career scientists and entrepreneurs. Nine of theearly career scientistspresented talks andposter displays about their research to Professor Beddington, whothen joinedthem in a round-table discussion about support structures for the career development ofresearchers. Professor Beddington also spent time with Professor Anne Glover CBEFRSE, Chief

Scientific Adviser for Scotlandand other senior colleagues at the Scottish Government. ProfessorBeddington then delivered the 2009 ECRR Peter Wilson Lecture as part of the RSEs public lectureprogramme. The lecture was presented jointly with the Edinburgh Consortium for Rural Research(ECRR) and the Institute of Biology and was entitledGlobalChallenges in a ChangingWorld.

Professor Beddington is pictured at the RSE (far left),listening to a presentation by early career scientist,Christine Evers from Edinburgh University

Robert Burns and Global CultureThe RSE hosted a series of activities, as part of events held globally to commemorate Burns on the250th anniversary of his birth. Activities commenced with a lecture given by Neal Ascherson, author andcultural commentator on The Royalty ofMan.How theWorld readBurns. The lecture was followed by aBurns Supper held at the New Club, during which contributions were made by internationallyrenowned: Clark McGinn, speaker and writer on Burns; and, Gill Bowman, Scottish singer/songwriter.A major one-day conference on RobertBurnsandGlobalCulture took place the following day, reflectingon issues such as the global reputation of Burns, the translation and reception of Burns in worldliteratures, the influence of Burns on the image of Scotland abroad, and the continuing celebration ofBurns in global culture in statues, music and Burns Supper events. Sheena Wellington and KirsteenMcCue performed at a musical lunch in the middle of the day. The events concludedwith a Burns-inspired concert held at St Cecelias Hall, featuringthe Haydn Trio Eisenstadt and renowned Scottishsingers, Lorna Anderson (Soprano) and Jamie MacDougall (Tenor). The fiveperformers breathed new

life into Haydns Scottish songs and also performed theLamentforMary QueenofScots,anewcomposition by James MacMillan FRSE, one of Scotlands pre-eminent composers of this generation.


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informing and influencing public decisions

Informingthe Education DebateUnder theChairmanship of Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, theRSE Council established anEducation Committee to contribute on an ongoing basis to the debate on the way forward for

Scottish education. TheCommittee considers education at all stages, for example, theCurriculumfor Excellence, proposed changes to National Qualifications and the new Baccalaureates in scienceand languages, as well as continuing closely to monitor the debate about thefuture funding ofhigher education. As part of the work associated with theCurriculum for Excellence, theEducationCommittee entered into a partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry to recruit a teacheron a seconded basis to carry out a programme of exemplification of the chemistry aspects of theproposed curriculum in science.

RSE Hills & Islands InquiryIn September 2008, the RSE published the report of its Inquiry into theFuture ofScotlands HillsandIslands, to wide media attention. Thereport recommended that a new commitment to achievingrural community viability in Scotland should be made, with a critical need to integrate social,economic and environmental measures and empower communities to act within an overall nationalstrategy. Highlighting opportunities as well as challenges, the wide-ranging report made 66recommendations in order to achieve a sustainable future for the Hills and Islands with vibrant andviable human communities; an integrated diversity of land uses; well-managed natural systemsand landscapes that also contribute to amelioration of climate change; development of othereconomic opportunities such as tourism, renewable energy and food; supported by appropriatefinancial mechanisms and services.

In disseminating its recommendations, as well as meeting with Scottish Government and UKMinisters, theEU Commission and the Scottish Parliament, theInquiry Committee held publicevents for 500 people acrossScotland from Shetland to Dumfries.

Providing advice to the Scottish, Westminster

and European ParliamentsThe Society continued to engage with politicians and policy makers in all of theareas of relevanceto Scotland, on subjects within the expertise of the RSE. Policy Advice paperswere distributed ona targeted basis to those policy makers with a close interest in the subject at hand and, whereappropriate, face-to-face briefings were arranged. The Society also provided expert witnessestoParliamentary Committees. Submissions made on Climate Change contributed to changes to theBill, and ongoing contributions made regarding theCurriculum for Excellence helped to improvethecontent of the curriculum reform.

Inquiry Committee members pictured in Shetland. l-r back:Professor Roger Crofts CBE; Mr Drew Ratter; Dr MarcRands (RSE staff); l-r front: Professor Karl LinklaterFRCVS, FRSE; Professor Gavin McCrone CB, FRSE(Chairman)


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recognising excellence

Royal MedalsHis Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh presented Royal Medals to three individuals at aceremony held in August 2008 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Medallists were recommended

by the RSEs Council, in recognition of intellectual endeavour which has hada profound influenceon peoples lives, worldwide, andwere approved by the RSEs Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.The Medallists this year were: ProfessorRoger Fletcher FRS FRSE who has made an outstandingcontribution to mathematics and software development; Right Reverend RichardHolloway FRSEfor his outstanding contribution to the cultural life of Scotland through his public debates on ethicsand theology and by promoting, anddirect involvement in, public policy issues; and, ProfessorSirDavid Lane FRS FRSE who has made an outstanding contribution to cancer research through hisdiscovery of p53 tumour suppressor gene.


The IEEE/RSE Wolfson, James Clerk Maxwell AwardThe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE) and the RSE, with funding from WolfsonMicroelectronics plc, created a joint award in November 2006 to recognise groundbreakingcontributions that have had an exceptional impact on thedevelopment of electronics and electricalengineering or related fields. The award was named in honour of James Clerk Maxwell who laid thefoundations of electromagnetic wave theory, radio propagation, microwave techniques and radiocommunications. The annual award includes a US $20,000 honorarium, a gold medal and acertificate, and is open to anyone who has made groundbreaking contributions to the electronics orelectrical engineering fields. Theaward showcases Scotland as an innovative nation with strong

links between academia and business. In 2008 the award went to Sir Timothy Berners-Lee. SirTimothy is Director of the World Wide Web Consortium, Science Researcher, CSAIL, MassachusettsInstituteof Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA, and received his award for conceiving andfurtherdeveloping the World Wide Web.

James Clerk Maxwell StatueIn November 2008, Alex Fergusson, MSP, The Scottish Parliaments Presiding Officer, unveiled theJames Clerk Maxwell statue, commissioned by the RSE and created by sculptor Alexander Stoddart.The statue is situated at the east end of George Street, Edinburgh and provides long-overduerecognition of the achievements and legacy of a Scotsman who was both a genius and a man ofmodesty. The unveiling was theculmination of two years of endeavour, notably by Sir Michael AtiyahPPRSE, and the centre-piece of a major international conference at the RSE, which celebrated ClerkMaxwells work andhis standing as one of Scotlands greatest scientists. A large hologram was alsocreated and can be viewed in theSocietys James Clerk Maxwell Room. The statue and hologramwould not have been possible without the donationsof many whowished to recognise Clerk Maxwellsachievements and legacy, and the RSE is extremely grateful to all those who donated. Copies of thebook published following the conference are still available for purchase from the Society.

The Duke is pictured after the ceremony with Sir MichaelAtiyah OM PPRSE and the medallists l-r: Sir David Lane;Professor Roger Fletcher; and, Rt Rev Richard Holloway

Statue in the making pictured with the sculptorAlexander Stoddart and Sir Michael Atiyah


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Case Studies

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Professor Jim Prosser FRSE,

Chair of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen

RSE/Scottish Government International (Open) ExchangeNovember 2007

Visited: Professor Lars Bakken, Agricultural University ofNorway and Professor Janet Jansson, Microbiomics Centre,Uppsala/ Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Berkeley.

The past 20 years have seen a revolution in our view of microbialdiversity in natural environments. Molecular techniques haveuncovered vast, unsuspected diversity and abundant microbial

groups never seen in the laboratory. New generations of moleculartechniques are now being applied that generate enormousquantities of data, but there is concern that their potential willnot be fully exploited if key ecological questions are not definedand addressed. In particular, it is important to understand themechanisms driving microbial diversity, the impact ofenvironmental change on microbial communities andconsequences for global ecosystem services which they provide.

The researchers and centres visited by Professor Prosserare at the forefront of technological and theoretical developmentsin microbial ecology. Lectures were presented by Professor Prosseron links between microbial community structure and ecosystemfunction and the role of ecological theory in microbial ecology.

However, the most important activities were discussions withacademics and postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers onthe potential of new technologies and theoretical approachesand how and when they should be employed. Several researchcollaborations were initiated and a major direct outcome has beenthe award of a three-year BBSRC research grant to the Universityof Aberdeen in collaboration with Professor Bakken. In addition,Professor Prosser is now a member of the Science ManagementCommittee of the Uppsala Microbiomics Centre, collaborates on aPhD studentship and is currently preparing an opinions articlewith Swedish collaborators arising from the visit.

DavidLogan,

Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan

RSE/Scottish Government International (Bilateral) ExchangeSeptember 2007

Visited: China (whilst Senior Research Fellow at Universityof St Andrews)

Mitochondria, nicknamed the powerhousesof the cell, are dynamicsubcellular membrane-bound structures present in all multicellularorganisms.As their nickname suggests, mitochondria are the mainsites of energy production,but while they are vital organelles, little is

knownabout how their shape, size, number and motility in the cellare controlled.

In thelate 1990s, whilst a postdoctoral fellow at the University ofOxford with Professor Chris J Leaver CBE FRSFRSE, David Logangenerated stable transgenic Arabidopsis plantsin which the geneexpression reporter Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) is targeted tomitochondria. These plants enable mitochondria to be visualisednon-invasively, in living tissue, and in real time using fluorescencemicroscopy. The dynamic subcellular world of mitochondria wasthus opened up to study. Numerousresearchers around the worldhave used, or are using, the plants and gene constructs made byDavid whilst at Oxford, and subsequently at the University of StAndrews, and the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, where heis currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology.

Over the past few years many researchers in China werekeen tomake use of mitochondria-GFP technology for a variety of differentstudies and were also keen to establish collaborations. In order tofurther these collaborationsDavid, whilst a Senior Research Fellowat the University of St Andrews, applied successfully to the RoyalSociety of Edinburgh for an International Exchange Programmegrant. In June 2008 David visited research groups at theInstitute ofBotany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (Professor JinxingLin); South China Normal University, Guangzhou, GuangdongProvince (Professor Da Xing); and Sun Yat-SenUniversity,Guangzhou (Professor Nan Yao), where he gave research seminarsand discussed various collaborative projects. Davidscollaborationwith Professor Jinxing Lins group hasrecently resulted in the

publication of a research paper in the science journalPLoS One,describing the role of cytoskeleton dynamics in the movement ofmitochondria inArabidopsis root hairs. David and his collaboratorshope this will be followed by many more joint publications, and he isplanning to visit the same research teams in Spring 2010 to maintainand build on the collaborations first funded by the RSE.


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Case Studies

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Professor John Jones,

Plant Pathogens Interactions Programme, Scottish CropResearch Institute (SCRI)

RSE/Scottish Government International (Open) ExchangeNovember 2008

Visited by: Dr Taisei Kikuchi, Forestry and Forest ProductsResearch Institute, Japan

Plant parasitic nematodes are unique in the animal kingdomin producing their own endogenous cellulases, which they useto soften the walls of their host during invasion and migration.

The genes encoding cellulases have been acquired by thenematodes by horizontal gene transfer. Remarkably, some plantparasites appear to have acquired the cellulases from bacteria,whilst others, including the pine wood nematodeBursaphelenchusxylophilus, have acquired different cellulases from fungi.

Dr Kikuchi visited SCRI in order to carry out work on a nematodethat infects pine trees and causes pine wilt disease. The cellulasegenes were cloned from a range of nematodes and material wasproduced from another nematode clade which will be used for highthroughput sequence analysis. As well as allowing practical work tobe undertaken, the visit provided an opportunity for Dr Kikuchi andProfessor Jones to write up a joint paper in the area and to plan afuture funding proposal to sequence the genome ofB. xylophilus.

Further collaborative work on a related nematode group has beenplanned, in collaboration with a group in the Netherlands.

Dr John B March,

Chief Executive Officer of Big DNA Ltd

RSE/SE Enterprise Fellow (Life Sciences) 20052006Whilst based at the Department of Bacteriology,Moredun Research Institute

Bacterial viruses for antiserum production servicesand vaccine delivery

Big DNA Ltd develops vaccines based upon its proprietary patentedtechnology, in which bacteriophages (viruses which grow

exclusively on bacteria) are used to deliver genetic vaccines.

This nano-technology both protects the vaccine DNA (meaningthat oral delivery is possible), and targets the vaccine to the most

appropriate immune cells, resulting in protection against disease.

The idea behind the technology was basically fairly simple, andstandard proof of principle research studies were initially

undertaken in an academic setting over several years. What was

the next step however? As an academic who had spent over adecade developing a research career, jumping ship into the

commercial unknown was both risky and technically challenging

for John.

The RSE Enterprise Fellowship was crucially important here,

since it not only provided business training, but it also introducedJohn to other likeminded individuals. The opportunity to present

at an investment conference led to initial contact with a seed-corninvestor, which resulted in an initial 200k investment and the

incorporation of Big DNA Ltd as a company, with John ultimately

leaving his academic position to become the Companys ChiefExecutive Officer.

Since that time, Big DNA Ltd has grown from two to twelve

employees, secured more than 2 million of investment and

income, expanded into six offices and three laboratories and iscurrently involved in vaccine development programmes both

nationally and internationally, with major academic institutions and

international biopharmaceutical companies. The Company recentlyannounced the opening of its new Vaccine Manufacturing Suite by

John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and SustainableGrowth, and is aiming to be in the clinic with its first product within

the next 18 24 months.

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Case Studies

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Dr Rainer Breitling,

Chair of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Aberdeen

Caledonian Research Foundation Personal ResearchFellowship 20052007, whilst based at the Institute ofBiomedical & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow

Representation and exploitation of diverse biologicalevidence in a systems biology context

In recent years, the sequencing of complete organismal genomeshas become routine. The resulting information is now exploited bymany types of post-genomic experimental technologies, includinggene expression microarrays, proteomics, and metabolomics, each

of which produces unprecedented amounts of data. For an in-depthunderstanding of the experimental results, it is necessary tointegrate them across the various molecular levels and interpretthem in the dynamic context of cellular networks. This is the aimof systems biology.

Rainers group develops computational tools for an integratedapproach to understanding biological systems using novel,data-intensive experimental technologies. These tools are thenapplied to a wide variety of biological systems, ranging fromclassical model organisms of fundamental biology research(such as yeast,ArabidopsisandC. elegans) to organisms of highbiotechnological relevance, e.g. in a large collaborative projectstudying novel antibiotic biosynthesis pathways in soil bacteria

of the genus Streptomyces.During a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Glasgow,Rainer developed innovative methods for interpreting geneexpression data. A CRF Fellowship in 2005 allowed him to expandthese techniques to a new type of exciting data that had justbeen acquired by the parasitology department of the university:ultra-high resolution mass spectra of the metabolome of sleepingsickness parasites. Using specifically-developed algorithms,inspired by the intuitive approaches taken by expert biochemists, itwas possible to structure these data into metabolic networks anduse the results to explore new drug targets to fight the devastatingconsequences of sleeping sickness.

The CRF Fellowship gave him the freedom to explore the uncharted

scientific territory that became accessible by the rapid developmentof metabolomics technologies, leading to a number of successfulcollaborations. Rainer maintained this very active interaction withthe University of Glasgow after moving to a new position at theUniversity of Grningen in the Netherlands, and in January 2010 hewill return to Glasgow to take up a SULSA-funded post as Professorof Systems Biology.

Dr Tom Mackay,

School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh

RSE/Scottish Executive Support Research Fellowship20062007

Chiralsculptured thinfilms as biosensors

Increasingly, artificial materials are being developed which offerexciting opportunities to scientists and engineers. An especiallyinteresting type of material that has been conceptualised recentlyis the chiral sculptured thin film (CSTF). A CSTF comprises acollection of parallel spiral columns deposited onto a base. Theshapes, sizes and spacings of the spiral columns can be precisely

engineered, by exploiting the latest thin-film fabrication techniques.Through incorporating bioluminescent molecules, a CSTF-basedbiosensor may be envisaged with finely-tunable emissioncharacteristics. In principle, such a CSTF biosensor could beused to efficiently detect different types of genetic material inthe diagnosis of hereditary diseases, for example.

The Fellowship facilitated the development of a theoreticaldescription of light emitted from inside CSTFs, with a view tobiosensor applications. Recently-established mathematicaltechniques, based on a spectral Green function approach, werefurther developed and applied in the investigation of this uniqueoptical environment. A series of numerical calculations revealedthat the intensity and polarization of the emitted light are strongly

influenced by the structural handedness of the CSTF, as wellas by the location and orientation of the source. The emissioncharacteristics, which could be explained in terms of the circularBragg phenomenon, augur well for the future of CSTFs as opticalbiosensors, as well as light emitters with controlled circularpolarization and bandwidth.

Multidisciplinary research of this kind relies upon collaborationsbetween appropriate specialists. The Fellowship enabled DrMackay to visit the Department of Engineering Science andMechanics at Pennsylvania State University, which is the leadinginternational centre for research on CSTFs. He further developedhis collaboration with Professor Akhlesh Lakhtakia there. Indeed,this led to Dr Mackay recently being appointed an adjunct professor

at Pennsylvania State University, and a forthcoming book on theelectromagnetic theory of complex mediums, jointly authored byDr Mackay and Professor Lakhtakia.

>11


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12

Case Studies

DRSARAHMASTERS

JENNIFERNOBLE


Dr Sarah Masters (ne Hinchley),

School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh

BP Personal Research Fellow 20052007; maternity leave20072008; returned half-time, finishing in September 2009

Determination of structures of unusual, unstableand reactive species

Chemistry never ceases to amaze, and we are always reading aboutnew technologies and products materials, medicines, chemicalswith special properties. To make their work efficient, chemists needto be able to predict the properties of target molecules, and to

understand the routes to these molecules, and the rates at whichreactions will take place. Techniques for determining molecularstructures are therefore of primary importance.

Nowadays computers can predict structures of many moleculesaccurately, and they may also model gas-phase reactions.However, the programs use standard information fromexperimental gaseous structures, so new, accurate informationfrom gas-phase experiments is always required. There is a massof gaseous structural information for stable molecules, butinformation about short-lived or unstable species is much harderto obtain. Data are scarce, although they are essential for modellingreaction pathways and thus predicting rates of reactions.Dr Masters project has developed new ways to provide this

information.

With the aid of a RSE / BP Fellowship, she has developed new toolsto determine the molecular structures of unstable species such asketene and the benzyl radical. As these molecules cannot be storedin a bottle, they have to be generated in situ using a very hot inletsystem. Data are then collected and analysed. Several high-profilepublications have been obtained from the Fellowship, with more inthe pipeline. New avenues of research have also opened up asresearchers become more aware of her work. The Fellowshipallowed her to gain independence in her research, and becomeacknowledged as a PI in her own right. Dr Masters was allowed asix-month break for maternity leave in 2008, and to return to workon a half-time basis.

Jennifer Noble,

Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde

Robert Cormack Vacation Scholarship 2006 and awardedRobert Cormack Undergraduate Prize 2006

An Alcohol Problem! Understanding the first step inthe formation of methanol in star forming regions fromwater:carbon monoxide reactions.

Dust is ubiquitous in the interstellar medium. Dense regions ofdust and gas, known as molecular clouds, are an important stagein star formation; chemical reactions proceed between atoms and

molecules condensed on the surface of dust grains in these clouds.Understanding the complex chemical networks present in thesestar-forming regions, in particular the relationship between water,carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (the simplest solid phasemolecules), allows astrochemists to build a clearer picture of thechemical history and evolution of star and planetary formation.The formation of key interstellar molecules occurs on dust grainsurfaces, but the mechanisms by which even these simple speciesform are unknown.

Methanol is one such molecular species which is believed to formin the solid state, by successive hydrogenation of carbon monoxide,and then later desorb into the gas phase. This Scholarship allowedJennifer to analyse data from lab-based experiments simulating

conditions on dust grains in molecular clouds. She investigated thereaction between water and carbon monoxide, believed to be thefirst step in the formation of methanol and other more complexmolecules.

Having experienced astrochemistry research during herScholarship, Jennifer decided to continue her career in the field,and is now in the second year of a PhD at the University ofStrathclyde. She is currently analysing observational data fromthe Japanese infrared satellite Akari, to investigate the spatialdistribution of key molecular species across molecular clouds.Next year she will perform a series of experiments in a surfacescience laboratory at l'Universit de Cergy Pontoise to furtherinvestigate formation mechanisms of carbon dioxide underinterstellar conditions.


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Case Studies

DRHEATHERWILK

INSON


Dr Heather Wilkinson,

Centre for Research on Families and Relationships,University of Edinburgh

Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland Personal ResearchFellowship 20002003

Newperspectives on dementia: issues of social wellbeingfor people with dementia and their carers

What happens after someone gets a diagnosis of dementia? Peopleoften face a long and difficult transition in their work, family andsocial lives as the condition progresses. How do we ensure that thevoices of people with dementia are heard in the development of

policy and practice of support services?Dr Heather Wilkinson used the RSE / Lloyds TSB Foundation forScotland Personal Fellowship to do research exploring thelives andsocial networks of people post-diagnosis. In addition to providinginformation about theexperience of life post-diagnosis, the studycreated an opportunity for Dr Wilkinson to develop methods forincluding people with dementia in research and policy development.

The methods developed during the fellowship have provided a basisfor a programme of further work in this area. Dr. Wilkinson movedto the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (CRFR) atthe University of Edinburgh (www.crfr.ac.uk) during her Fellowshipand has developed this programme there. Projects include:

Post diagnosticcounselling A collaborative initiative involvingNHS Tayside and the Universities of Abertay Dundee andEdinburgh, funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing.www.piramhids.com/case-studies/view-casestudy?resid=646

Supportingolderpeople in carehomesatnight, JosephRowntree Foundation This is the first study of its kind to shinea spotlight on the night-time care experiences of residents,relatives and staff. www.jrf.org.uk/publications/supporting-older-people-care-homes-night

What next forPost-Diagnostic Dementia Support?userengagementevents, ESCR funded This is a series of eventsdesigned to creating innovative exchange across dementiatheory, practice and policy: translating dialogue and experience.

The knowledge gained through the Fellowship also informsDr. Wilkinsons roles as supervisor to a number (eight) of PhDstudents who have an interest in dementia, as Chair of InternationalAssociation for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities(IASSID) Aging Special Interest Research Group, as Co-director ofCRFR and as Research Director for the School of Health in SocialScience at the University of Edinburgh.

DrAlanJ Gow,

Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology,University of Edinburgh

RSE/Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland ResearchStudentship 200205

Predictors of successful ageing: findings from thelongitudinal follow-up of the Lothian Birth Cohort1921

As people grow older, there is a general decline in some cognitivefunctions. There is, however, marked variation in the extent of thisdecline across individuals. The aim of Alans PhD was to identifyrisk factors for cognitive ageing, with a particular focus on those

that may be modifiable.Within the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 (LBC1921: an ongoing studyof ageing at The University of Edinburgh), aspects of lifestyle wereassessed, including occupational characteristics, social, intellectualand physical activity participation, and social networks and support.These were measured in old age when the LBC1921 participantswere aged 79, and also retrospectively for various time points acrossthe lifespan. The LBC1921 had been given detailed cognitiveassessments at ages 79 and 83. Moreover, they had all taken a testof mental ability when aged 11, a major strength of the study as manypotential lifestyle predictors of cognitive ageing are themselves partlydetermined by earlier cognitive ability. We can therefore aim toidentify those factors which predict more successful cognitive ageingover and above the contribution of initial cognitive ability.

From Alans analysis, after adjusting for childhood cognitive abilityand other potential confounders (including sex, social class,smoking, medication use and a range of diseases), it wassuggested that the physical dangers and hazards associated withan individuals working environment and their activity participationin midlife predicted the level of cognitive ability at age 79 (where thework hazards were detrimental to, and increased activity wasbeneficial for, cognitive ability level). Furthermore, simple physicalexercise (walking) proved to be protective in terms of the change inability from age 79 to 83.

It has been possible to further explore these relationships as theLBC1921 have since been seen for a third time in old age, at age 87.

Note: The Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 began in 1999 and has receivedfunding from the BBSRC and the Chief Scientist Office of theScottish Executive; more details can be found atwww.lothianbirthcohort.ed.ac.uk.


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14


Financial ReviewIn 2008 09 two exceptional items improved the overall RSE financial position. The first of these was the receipt of a majorlegacy from Dr Harold Thomas amounting to 2.16m, which is included in the increase in total income from 3.50m to6.76m. The second was the transfer of assets from the Caledonian Research Foundation (CRF) of 6.29m, which is themajor component of the increase in net assets from 11.87m to 18.61m.

The underlying result for the year, as shown in the table below, was 39,000. This improvement on the budgetexpectation of a modest deficit arose partly from higher-than-expected property and investment income.

Total income on a like-for-like basis, excluding the legacy, increased by 31% from 3.50m to 4.60m. The increase arosemainly from funding for the implementation of Phase III of the RSE/SE Enterprise Fellowships programme and the fundingin support of the previously-agreed increase in the number and duration of the Scottish Government-funded postdoctoralresearch fellowships.

Total costs have increased by 39% (1.33m) from last year. This includes the expenditure on completion of the James ClerkMaxwell statue, as well as the increased expenditure on charitable activities explained below.

Expenditure on charitable activities increased by 1.29m. Grants payable in support of research and innovation made upthe major part of this increase, rising from 1.76m to 2.67m. This reflected the increase in Enterprise Fellowships, thosefunded both by Scottish Enterprise and by the Research Councils, and the increased number of Scottish GovernmentResearch Fellows appointed. Expenditure on informing and influencing public policy increased by 0.03m, reflecting thework done to bring the inquiry on Scotlands Hills & Islands to its conclusion and launch the report.

Governance costs, which have remained at a similar level to previous years, represent around 3% of total recurring income.

The transfer of assets from the CRF is reflected in the balance sheet by increases in investments and in restricted funds. This verypositive development was offset in the year by the decrease in the investment portfolio, where unrealised losses were 1.34m.

Against the background of the external financial climate, the strategy of diversification of income sources is challenging.

However the flexibility derived from donations and legacies, such as the very substantial legacy from Dr Harold Thomas,provides welcome support. The Councils aim is to continue to build relationships and work in partnership with stakeholdersand funders in support of our varied programmes with public benefit outcomes.

000

Net incoming resources 2,107

Less:

Dr Thomas legacy (2,158)

Appeal income (9)

Add: Expenditure for James Clerk Maxwell 99statue for which income was received in 2007-08

Surplus on recurring activities 39


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>15


Financial Review

Income and expenditureGeneral Designated Restricted Restricted 2009 2008

Fund funds income funds total total

000 000 000 000 000 000

Grants, donations and legacies,rental and investment income 364 2,224 110 678 3,376 1,566

Incoming resourcesfrom charitable activities 100 3,005 282 3,387 1,936

Total incoming resources 464 2,224 3,115 960 6,763 3,502

Cost of generating funds (185) (5) - (62) (252) (221)

Charitable activities (271) (46) (3,214) (715) (4,246) (2,949)

Governance (125) - (33) (158) (158)

Total resources expended (581) (51) (3,214) (810) (4,656) (3,328)

Net incoming resources (117) 2,173 (99) 150 2,107 174

Group balance sheet2009 2008

000 000

Tangible fixed assets 3,984 4,068

Investments 12,884 6,103

Net current assets 2,233 1,759

Other liabilities and provisions (net) (491) (60)

Total net assets 18,610 11,870

Represented by

General fund 924 1,086

Designated funds 6,911 5,505

Restricted income 119

Restricted funds 10,775 5,160

Total funds 18,610 11,870

The figures above have been extracted from the audited accounts for the period ended 31 March 2009 which carried an unqualified audit

report. The full Trustees report and audited accounts are obtainable in hard copy from 22 26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ or on

the RSE website www.royalsoced.org.uk.


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Resources expended (000)

31

93

197

16

Income by source (000)

Rental and investment income

Operating income from activities

Scottish Government

Other public sector bodies

Charitable trusts

Companies

Legacies

Individuals

Fellows

Costs of generating funds

Sustaining and utilising Fellowship

Supporting world-class researchers

International connections

Innovation and business

Promoting science as a career

Public appreciation of science & culture

Informing & influencing public decisions

James Clerk Maxwell statue

Scottish Bioinformatics Forum

Governance


0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

760

282

1,773

681

788

2,158

152

101

2,191

276

579

73

610

179

209

128

158


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Corporate Governance & Management

Council of The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)

President: Lord Wilson of Tillyorn* KT GCMG PRSE

Vice-President: Lord Patel of Dunkeld

Vice-President: Professor Tariq Durrani OBE

Vice-President Sir Tom McKillop+

Vice-President: Professor Hector MacQueen*

General Secretary: Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE

Treasurer: Professor Ewan Brown* CBE

Fellowship Secretary: Professor Peter Holmes* OBE

Councillors Sir John Arbuthnott

Professor Sue Black OBE

Dr Ian Halliday CBE*

Professor April McMahon

Professor Christopher Whatley

Executive Board

General Secretary: Professor Geoffrey Boulton OBE

Treasurer: Professor Ewan Brown* CBE

Curator: Professor Duncan Macmillan*

Research Awards Convener: Professor Alan Miller*

International Convener: Professor Sir David Edward KCMG QC PC

Programme Convener: Professor David Ingram OBE

Young Peoples Programme Convener: Professor Mary Bownes* OBE

Chair of RSE Scotland Foundation: Professor Andrew Miller CBE

Chief Executive: Dr William Duncan

Director of Finance: Kate Ellis

Director of Corporate Services: Graeme Herbert

*denotes Office-Bearers elected in October2008

+appointed byCouncil for one year to fill vacancy

The Society is registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC0000470

The RSE Scotland Foundation is a connected charity, registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC024636

Inland Revenue Claim Board Reference CR 18102


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The Royal Society of Edinburgh was founded in 1783.

It is Scotlands national academy. Its Fellowship includes

some of the best intellectual talent in academia, the

professions and business. It facilitates public debate, research

programmes, educational projects and strategy formulation.Its strength is its diversity and impartiality. The Societys

unique multi-disciplinary approach enables it to draw from

and link with a broad spectrum of expertise to advance the

understanding of globally-important issues. In fulfilling its

Royal Charter for the advancement of learning and usefulknowledge, the RSE is seeking to contribute to the social,

cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh

22 26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQT 0131 240 5000

F 0131 240 5024

E [email protected]

W www.royalsoced.org.uk

The Royal Society of Edinburgh is registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC0000470

The RSE Scotland Foundation is a connected charity, registered in Scotland as Scottish Charity No. SC024636

ISSN 1742-1810

This document is printed on 100% recycled paper

Annual Review April 2008 – March 2009

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