Aberdeen academic awarded prestigious Scottish Science Award

This year's Saltire Society Scottish Science Award is to be awarded to Aberdeen scientist, Professor John Speakman, for the major contribution his work has had in the field of biological sciences. John Roger Speakman is Professor of Zoology and Head of Integrative Physiology at the University of Aberdeen and Head of Energetics and Metabolic Physiology at the Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen.

Professor Speakman specialises in the field of energy expenditure and gain and in recent years has solved some of the key conundrums of the scientific world and applied his specialist knowledge in the very practical area of obesity in humans. Professor Speakman is currently Chair of the Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation and Obesity.

Professor Albert Rodger, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering said: "Professor Speakman's work at the University in the area of obesity is proving to be of great scientific significance. I am delighted to see therefore his work being recognised by this prestigious award."

Professor John Speakman said of his award: "I am delighted to be receiving the Scottish Science Award. It is an honour that my ongoing work in the field of biological sciences is being recognised by the Saltire Society."

Founded in 1936, the Saltire Society is a non-political body concerned with all aspects of Scottish life and culture. Through its Awards competitions it promotes excellence in the arts, civil engineering, education, housing design, music, literature, planning & environment and the sciences. The Scottish Science Award, the Society's highest accolade, is presented annually to a distinguished scientist in mid-career between the ages of 30 and 50 years who has lived and worked continuously in Scotland, or is of Scottish descent.