RSE names new president

THE next president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) will be renowned academic Professor Sir John Arbuthnott, it announced yesterday.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Mar 2011, 13:11 BST

Updated 10th Mar 2011, 21:34 BST

Sir John, principal and vice-chancellor of Strathclyde University from 1991 to 2000, will succeed Lord Wilson of Tillyom in October as head of the educational charity.

A distinguished microbiologist, Sir John also chaired the Greater Glasgow Health Board and led the Clyde Valley review on the potential for providing shared local authority services. He has also served on a number of committees advising on aspects of policy.

"I am highly honoured to be elected as the president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh," he said.

"The RSE, with its links across Scottish society, plays an important role in the future of Scotland nationally and internationally."

The society, established in 1783, hosts lectures and debates, and distributes grants to researchers and entrepreneurs based in Scotland.