Volunteering nets accolade for computing lecturer
Published On Wed 27 Jun 2018 by Jonathan Watson
A University of Dundee lecturer has been honoured for his work in promoting science to the public.
Dr Iain Murray, of the University’s Computing department, has been awarded the British Science Association’s (BSA) prestigious Sir Walter Bodmer Award for his decades of service to the charity.
Currently the Treasurer of the BSA’s Tayside and Fife branch, Iain said that the accolade had come as a complete surprise to him.
“It’s a real honour and I’m very flattered,” he said.
“Some of my committee colleagues nominated me and it was only when I got an email from the BSA that I knew anything about it.
“I’ve been involved with the BSA since the 1980s and the group has always had a strong connection with the University. That has helped us to attract local speakers to give public lectures, of which we usually host around five or six a year.
“Because they are not always from my own area of expertise it has helped me to learn a lot about other topics and that is something that I have always enjoyed. I am particularly pleased to have received this award in the 50th anniversary year of the local branch.”
Having been founded in 1831, the British Science Association hosts public lectures and events throughout the country with the aim of increasing public engagement with the world of science.
The Sir Walter Bodmer Award is presented by the charity to its most dedicated volunteers, with Iain having spent the past 12 years as Treasurer of the BSA’s Tayside and Fife Branch, following a further decade as its Chairperson and a period serving on its national council.
Already well known as a trustee of the Barnes Wallis Foundation, Iain will receive his award later this year and has stated his intention to continue volunteering with the British Science Association.
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