Five Scottish-based scientists have just been elected Fellow of the Royal Society. But, in Scotland, the Scottish Government appears to have downgraded the post of chief scientific officer – vacant for almost 18 months. In earlier times scientists such as Robert Moray occupied key political roles; nowadays they’re shunned by politicians.
Ireland, Scotland and Westminster
Alex Salmond’s take on the Easter Rising – and Irish independence – is a flawed analysis. Not least because he leaves out the civil war. And sees “Westminster” at fault everywhere.
Umberto Eco and Scottish nationalism
The recent death of Umberto Eco, author of the Name of the Rose, prompts one of Scotland’s leading scientists to reflect on science and nationalism. He finds the two very uneasy bedfellows – as witnessed by the empty chair of the chief scientific adviser.