Who will rule the Royal Society?
Daily Telegraph, 11aug04. The election of President of the ancient scientific institution compares with the selection of a new pope in its Byzantine procedures and the influence of the successful candidate. Roger Highfield reports. A battle for the most prestigious post in the scientific establishment is about to begin. Like the selection of a monarch, a prime minister or a pope, the election of the next president of the Royal Society will be marked by intrigue, politics and backstabbing. When a conclave of cardinals elects a pope, the event is marked by a puff of white smoke. The news that a successor has been found to Lord May, the present incumbent, will be less dramatic but visible to anyone on the planet with internet access, being marked by a terse announcement on the website of the worlds oldest scientific academy. Interest will be intense. Since the first president Viscount Brouncker was elected in 1662 the post has been occupied by many historic figures, such as Christopher Wr
