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Motion · S6M-10267 · 29 Aug 2023

The Work of Professor Des Smith

Lodged by Miles Briggs (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) Standard Motion 39 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament acknowledges the sad passing of Edinburgh Biosciences founder, Professor Des Smith, who, it understands, died suddenly on 1 August 2023; understands that Professor Smith had a very long and distinguished career both in academia and in industry, elected as a fellow of Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1973 and the Royal Society in 1976; notes that he was the first professor of physics on Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University Riccarton Campus; understands that he has contributed to advances in optical coatings, magneto-optics of semiconductors, satellite meteorology, infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence technology and their applications; commends that his work has contributed to the tuneable spin-flip Raman laser, which gives the highest resolution molecular gas spectra, and the invention of the carbon dioxide Selective Chopper Radiometer, which flew on the Nimbus 4 satellite in 1970; celebrates that, in 2011, Professor Smith was presented with a prestigious Royal Society of Edinburgh Royal Medal by the Duke of Edinburgh in recognition of his eminent work in physics research, especially in optoelectronics, spectroscopy and laser technology; understands that in 2013, following the sale of his first company, Edinburgh Instruments, Professor Smith founded his second company, Edinburgh Biosciences Ltd, again on the Research Park, aiming to apply his knowledge of fluorescence and light based technologies to diagnose and treat cataracts, and further understands that devices based on Professor Smith's work are currently in clinical trials producing encouraging results, and that Edinburgh Biosciences continues to advance his work.

Supporters (39)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.