John Beddington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Beddington
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| Born |
John Rex Beddington
13 October 1945 |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | London School of Economics (undergraduate) University of Edinburgh (postgraduate) |
| Known for | Sustainable management of renewable resources Government Chief Scientific Adviser (2008–2013) |
| Spouse(s) |
Sarah West
(m. 1968; div. 1972)Caroline Hiller
(m. 1990) |
| Awards | Fellow of the Royal Society (2001) Knight Bachelor (2010) Order of St Michael and St George (2004) Honorary FREng (2012) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Population biology |
| Institutions | Oxford Martin School Imperial College London University of York University of Edinburgh |
| Thesis | The exploitation of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in Scotland. |
Sir John Rex Beddington, born on October 13, 1945, is a British scientist. He studies how populations of living things change over time. He is a Senior Adviser at the Oxford Martin School. He was also a professor at Imperial College London. From 2008 to 2013, he was the UK Government's top science adviser.
Contents
Education and Early Career
John Beddington went to Monmouth School in Wales. He then studied economics at the London School of Economics. He earned his first degree in 1967 and a master's degree in 1968. Later, in 1973, he received his PhD from the University of Edinburgh.
From 1968 to 1971, he worked as a research assistant at the University of Edinburgh. After that, he taught population biology at the University of York until 1984.
Working with Science and Nature
Sir John Beddington's work combines biology and economics. He focuses on how to manage natural resources in a way that can last for a long time. This is called "sustainable management." It means using resources like fish or forests without running out of them for future generations.
At Imperial College London
In 1984, Sir John joined Imperial College London. He became a professor of Applied Population Biology in 1991. He became an expert in the economics and biology of managing renewable resources. He gave advice to UK government ministers on science and environmental issues. He also advised the European Commission and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Leading Science for the UK Government
On January 1, 2008, Sir John Beddington became the Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government. This is a very important job where he advised the Prime Minister and other government officials on scientific matters. He helped the British government respond to big events. These included the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan and the eruptions of volcanoes in Iceland. He also helped with the ash dieback disease affecting trees in the UK.
In March 2009, Sir John warned about a "perfect storm" that the world could face by 2030. He explained that shortages of food, water, and energy could lead to public unrest and conflicts. He believed people might move from affected areas to more stable regions. Many climate scientists have since said his warning was very accurate. In April 2013, Sir John was succeeded by Mark Walport in his role as Chief Scientific Adviser.
At Oxford Martin School
From May 2013 to 2018, Sir John was a Senior Adviser at the Oxford Martin School. This school has many researchers who work on solving big global challenges. They look for ways to improve the world in the 21st century.
Awards and Recognitions
Sir John Beddington has received many awards for his important work:
- In 1997, he won the Heidelberg Award for Environmental Excellence.
- In 2001, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists.
- In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). This was for his work in fisheries science and management.
- He was also made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2012.
- In 2011, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- In 2010, he was knighted, which means he can use the title "Sir."
- In 2014, the Government of Japan recognized him. This was for helping to make science and technology cooperation stronger between Japan and the UK.
Personal Life
Sir John Beddington has two children. His daughter, Emma Beddington, is a journalist. He married Caroline Hiller in 1990.
