Zoologist wins award for broadcasting

ZOOLOGIST and broadcaster Aubrey Manning has been given a top award for his efforts in bringing academic research to the public.

Professor Manning, Emeritus Professor of natural history at the University of Edinburgh, has received the inaugural 2011 RSE Beltane senior prize for public engagement.

Edinburgh PhD student Joanna Brooks won the RSE Beltane innovator's prize for public engagement.

Prof Manning's career at the University of Edinburgh has spanned four decades, from assistant lecturer in zoology in 1956 to his retirement in 1997 as chair of natural history.

He has brought earth sciences to the wider public on BBC television and radio.