Leading computer scientist appointed as Vice President of the Royal Institution
Tuesday 5 October 2010, London UK. Following the appointment of Sir Richard Sykes as Chair of Council last month, the Royal Institution (Ri) is delighted to announce the appointment of Prof Chris Bishop to the position of Vice President.
Prof Bishop, Distinguished Scientist at Microsoft Research and former Ri Christmas Lecturer, will be responsible for creating and delivering an online digital strategy for the Ri. His presence will also strengthen the Ri's position in the fields of computer science and computational sciences.
The role of Vice President is a part time, non-executive and non-remunerated position. Prof Bishop's time is funded by Microsoft Research and is effectively a pro bono secondment, demonstrating Microsoft Research's continued commitment to the success of the Ri as a renowned and respected organisation dedicated to the timeless promotion of science.
Chief Executive, Chris Rofe said: "Chris will lend his exceptional technical, communication, and commercial skills in both raising funds for, and delivering, an online vision for the Ri which will be a driver for our strategic development. I am delighted by this announcement and look forward to working closely with Chris."
Commenting on Chris' appointment, Sir John Beddington, the government's Chief Scientific Advisor said: "The appointment of Chris Bishop affords the chance to focus the Institution on the highest and most contemporary methods of communication."
Andrew Herbert, Microsoft Distinguished Engineer and Managing Director, Microsoft Research Cambridge said: "Computation is having an increasing impact on all areas of science and Chris' role as Vice President of the Ri will be important in building their expertise in this area and in further communicating broadly about the significance of the world of science to society today and in the future."
The position will be effective immediately.
For more information contact:
Kristen Dodd
kdodd@ri.ac.uk
020 7670 2991
0777 2306 635