Glasgow academics join Royal Society Fellowship

Published: 19 May 2003

Two University of Glasgow academics were amongst the new Fellows announced by The Royal Society today (19 May 2003).

Two University of Glasgow academics were amongst the new Fellows announced by The Royal Society today (19 May 2003). Professor James Hough, Professor of Physics and Director of the Institute for Gravitational Wave Research, and Dr Karen Vousden, Director of the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, were amongst 42 new Fellows from the fields of science, engineering and technology invited to join the prestigious society.

James Hough is an outstanding and internationally recognised experimentalist, working in the field of gravitational wave physics. As Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research, he has brought the UK to the forefront of this area and will participate in the detection of gravitational waves from astronomical objects within a few years. The target is to measure strains in space of 10-23 per root Hz. To do this Professor Hough has developed innovative and practical laboratory techniques including laser stabilisation, quasi-monolithic bonding of materials for suspension systems and measurement of ultra-low optical loss. Aspects of these techniques have been transferred to other fields and to industry.

Karen Vousden is distinguished for her studies on the p53 and Rb tumour suppressor genes whose functions are disrupted in most human cancers. Her work has led to the recognition of two key features of p53: the role of MDM2 in the regulation of p53 protein stability and the importance of apoptosis in the tumour suppressor function of p53. Her studies have contributed to the realization that tumour cells, which have a deregulated Rb pathway, are more sensitive to p53 driven apoptosis than their normal counterparts, and suggest that reactivation of p53 in tumour cells will have therapeutic efficacy.

The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. The Society's objectives are to:

    *recognise excellence in science
    *support leading-edge scientific research and its applications
    *stimulate international interaction
    *further the role of science, engineering and technology in society
    *promote education in the sciences and actively engage the public in scientific issues
    *provide independent authoritative advice on matters relating to science, engineering and technolog
    *encourage research into the history of science

Fellows are elected for their contributions to science, both in fundamental research resulting in greater understanding, and also in leading and directing scientific and technological progress in industry and research establishments. A maximum of 42 new Fellows, who must be citizens or residents of Commonwealth countries or Ireland, may be elected annually.

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First published: 19 May 2003

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