Vol 25, no 3, October - The Linnean Society of London

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THE LINNEAN 2009 VOLUME 25(3)
I’m writing this, having just turned over the calendar; it’s September 1 st – a year to
the day since I took up the role of Executive Secretary. This too has been a time of
challenge and change (and much enjoyment!), and this provides a further opportunity
to say thank you for everyone’s support and forbearance in this first year! The last
twelve months have been a time of personal change – including a house move, and a
wedding! – and the Society’s meetings programme, particularly over the last 6 months
has focused on the many challenges and changes affecting science, scientists and us all.
In April, the Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington
gave the Annual Biodiversity Policy Lecture, “Biodiversity in a Changing World”
highlighting the importance of understanding biodiversity in developing policies to
meet the many global challenges we face. Our joint meeting with the World Land
Trust “The Great Ape Debate” focused on how to best ensure the survival of Orangutans
– rehabilitation and reintroduction or preservation of natural habitat? This meeting
was “live-streamed” from our website enabling many who could not attend in London
to view the proceedings.
Our meetings in May continued the theme of change and challenge as Professor
Janet Browne reflected on “Two Hundred Years of Evolution” as part of the Burlington
House Lecture Series (see p68 for information about the next lecture), and in a meeting
organised by Dr Sandra Knapp, “The Future of Plant Genetic Resources”, in honour
of Professor Jack Hawkes, PPLS, a programme of international speakers reflected on
the critical importance of genetic resources to a growing human population. In June,
the Earl of Selborne reviewed the House of Lords Reports on Systematics and
Taxonomy produced over the last decade, highlighting the continuing challenges facing
The President and his wife with the bride and (left) Linnaea
borealis painted on her wedding dress.