January 8, 2010

experts respond to the redundancy of Susan Greenfield at the Royal Institution

After twelve years as Director, Susan Greenfield has been made redundant from her role at the Royal Institution, as it was decided that the position of Director was no longer affordable.

Prof Colin Blakemore, FRS, Professor of Neuroscience, University of Oxford, said:

“I’m sad to hear this news. Susan Greenfield brought a breath of fresh air to the Royal Institution and achieved a great deal, especially in the early years of her appointment. What’s important now is to look beyond the immediate crisis. The RI has had a glorious past, and, at a time when science and the public engagement with science are more important than ever, the RI must have a glorious future. The appetite for serious debate about science has never been higher. Under new leadership, the RI will have an opportunity to resolve its financial problems and to continue to play an important role. I wish it all the best.”

Philip Campbell, Editor-in-Chief, Nature, said:

“Britain needs strong champions of science – long may the Royal Institution fulfil that role.”

Lord Drayson, Science Minister, said:

“The RI is a tremendously important institution. Although it is clearly going through a difficult period at present, I wish it the very best for the future.”

Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the British Science Association, said:

“Susan Greenfield is an inspirational communicator of science and, during her tenure, has more than kept up the great tradition of the Royal Institution in presenting science to the wider public. She has been instrumental in raising its profile and that of science in general, and I wish her and the Royal Institution every success in the future.”

Click here to view the Ri’s press statement.