Department of Scientific and Industrial Research : Sir Edward Appleton, C.B.E., K.C.B., F.R.S

Abstract

THE appointment of Sir Edward Appleton to be principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh was announcced in November last, and he will be taking his new duties there in May. Sir Edward became secretary of the Department of Scientific Industrial Research in February 1939, after a brilliant university career, during which he conjpacted his classical researches on the transmission of radio waves which led to the award of the Nobel Prize .for Physics in 1947 (see Nature, November 22, 1947, p. 703). During the ten years he has been with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Sir Edward has devoted all his energy to its interests and purposes. These are broadly : first, to seek scientific truth by carrying out research in the Department's establishments and by encouraging programmes of research in other appropriate places ; and secondly, to foster the application of scientific knowledge for the benefit of the community. This period of service has included the arduous war years during which the duties and responsibilities of the head of the Department were particularly onerous and of vital importance to the nation. As an administrator, Sir Edward has come to be respected by all the staff who worked under him ; as the Civil servant who represented the Government in all branches of science, except medicine, agriculture and fisheries, he has commanded the attention and appreciation of the whole of Britain. His wisdom, shrewdness and gentle, but persuasive, drive have made him much sought after as chairman of national committees of all types, whether these were concerned with scientific or technical matters or with the practical details of staffs and their organisation. Throughout his decade of Government service, Sir Edward has succeeded in maintaining a close and active interest in the field of radio science which he has made his own and for which he has an international reputation. There is little doubt that, while in his new position he will naturally be mainly concerned with university administration, he will find opportunities to continue his favourite line of research work.