Queen's University, Belfast

Abstract

THE centenary of the official opening of a university in Belfast was celebrated during the week September 25–30 by a series of academic and social functions. On September 28, the new Chancellor, Field-Marshal Lord Alanbrooke, who was recently elected by Convocation in succession to the late Lord Londonderry, was also installed in office. A large number of guests from other universities and learned bodies were present for the celebrations. They were welcomed by the Senate and Academic Council at a reception in the Great Hall on September 27, when addresses on the occasion were presented. Queen's University, for its part, conferred a number of honorary degrees on the following day, including the D.Sc. on Sir Edward Mellanby, Prof. M. L. E. Oliphant, Sir Henry Tizard and Principal R. C. Wallace. A reception was held by the Government of Northern Ireland in the Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on September 29, and parts of the University were opened to the public. The ceremonies were the last at which the outgoing vice-chancellor, Sir David Keir, officiated, before leaving to take up his new duties as Master of Balliol College, Oxford. His successor, Prof. Eric Ashby (see Nature, October 22, p. 689), is expected to assume office in the autumn of 1950. Prof. F. Newark, secretary of the Academic Council and professor of jurisprudence, is acting as pro-vice-chancellor in the meantime.