This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden
16/02/2007
Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister Sarah Boyack today announced the appointment of two new members to the Board of Trustees at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The new members are:
Dr Ian Sword who initially studied Chemistry at Glasgow, Princeton and Oxford Universities is currently a Chair of Scottish Stem Cell Network, Honorary Professor University of Dundee and Honorary Research Fellow, University of Glasgow. Dr Ian Sword has chaired and directed various science based companies and has wide experience of growing significant businesses.
Professor Janet Sprent who is Emeritus Professor of Plant Biology at the University of Dundee has over 40 years experience of plant science research, particularly in all aspects of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Professor Sprent is also an Honorary Research Fellow, Scottish Crop Research Institute.
Dr Sword has been appointed in a business capacity. This appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010.
Professor Sprent has been appointed in a science capacity. This appointment will be for 4 years and will run from 1 February 2007 to 31 January 2011.
These posts are part time and attract no remuneration. The total time commitment is approximately 16 days a year and will include 6 Board meetings, approximately 4 Committee meetings and 6 preparation days.
Dr Sword does not hold any other ministerial public appointments.
Professor Sprent holds 3 other Ministerial public appointments with: the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, remunerated at £213 per day at meetings; the Scottish Natural Heritage (until 31 March 2007), remunerated at £15,469; and the Strategic Science Advisory Panel (SEERAD), remunerated at £175 per day plus preparation time of £100 per day.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Non-Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 and principally funded by the Scottish Executive. Its mission is "to explore and explain the world of plants" and its primary functions are: science, horticulture, education and information and visitor services.
These public appointments were made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Neither Dr Ian Sword nor Professor Janet Sprent are involved in any political activity.