Science matters
Recognition in science Richard Harwood is pleased that the contribution of leading scientists is being recognised
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about the world and who continue to inspire people today. Our banknotes are an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of UK society and highlight the contributions of its greatest citizens’. While the names of key figures such as Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing are among contenders, in the spirit of this emphasis on diversity there is strong support for a woman to feature this time. If so, Ada Lovelace might be near the top of the candidate list; the English mathematician who worked on an early general-purpose computer called the Analytical Engine. Another worthy candidate receiving support is Rosalind Franklin. Dr Franklin’s work in X-ray crystallography provided highly significant evidence that led to Watson and Crick’s elucidation of the structure of DNA. This breakthrough later earned the Nobel Prize for Watson and Crick, together with their colleague Maurice Wilkins, but Franklin had already died (and Nobel Prizes are not awarded posthumously). Recognition on the new £50 would be a worthwhile, if Spring |
Autumn
The purpose of this article is to highlight recognition for science, and more particularly the recognition of the contribution of women to scientific advancement. However, I trust you will forgive a somewhat insular introduction focussed on my home country. The new British £50 (fifty pounds sterling) note is set to carry the image of a person of national significance; more precisely, that person will be a prominent British scientist. The public are being asked to put forward nominations, with the Bank of England’s public consultation lasting for six months from the beginning of November 2018. In addition to the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the new note will include the portrait of an eminent late scientist. Nominations may include anyone who worked in any field of science including astronomy, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, medical research, physics, technology or zoology. Mark Carney, the (Canadian) Governor of the Bank of England, commented that ‘There is a wealth of individuals whose work has shaped how we think
| 2019
