January 18, 2013

expert reaction to news of the possible sale of the Royal Institution

The Royal Institution’s building on Albermarle Street was put up for sale in an attempt to cover the charity’s debts.

Professor Chris Pollock, Honorary Research Professor, Aberystwyth University, said:

“I was saddened to hear of the financial problems facing the Royal Institution and of the threat of sale of the building.  At a time when so much emphasis is being placed upon public engagement with science it seems to me to be quite unacceptable for the community to stand by whilst such a venerable and venerated institution loses its home.  How can we contemplate allowing the spot where Michael Faraday lectured to the public to be turned into another up-market West End shop?  As someone who has had the privilege of lecturing there, I would fully support efforts by the scientific establishment to set up a national campaign to save  the Ri and ensure that it remains a focus for all that is best in science engagement.”

Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Physics at the University of Surrey, said:

“Many of us in the science community have for some time now been aware of the financial pressures the Ri has been under, which go deeper than simply a reflection of the current economic climate. But no-one foresaw the possibility that the wonderful building on Albemarle Street might actually need to be sold off. It seems crazy that at a time when science and science communication is riding a wave of popularity not seen for generations we hear that the very epitome of a British scientific institution is under threat. We cannot sit back and wait for a potential rich benefactor to come along – we need to mobilise a national campaign to raise the necessary funds to save it. I have had the privilege of giving many lectures in its famous theatre – indeed with another one coming up next week. It is truly one of the most inspirational places in the world to lecture in and one is constantly aware of the ghosts of Davy and Faraday looking down.”

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

“I am very sad that the excellent staff at the Royal Institution are facing such a situation and wish them the best for a successful outcome.”

Colin Blakemore, Professor of Neuroscience and Philosophy, University of London, said:

“The RI invented science communication, but there are now a multitude of other organisations that do the same things, sometimes better and usually more cheaply. Nevertheless, the loss of this icon of public science would be a tragic signal that Britain no longer values its unique contribution to history. A fraction of the cost of a Picasso or a football club would save this venerable institution. Surely there’s a benefactor out there who wants to secure a place in history by rescuing it.”