Press release
Source: Linnean Society of London
7th June 2007
Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan made an official visit to the Linnean Society of London on May 29th 2007 as part of the Tercentenary Celebrations of the birth of the Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus. His Majesty is an Honorary Fellow of the Society and delivered the keynote address "Linné and Taxonomy in Japan". www.kunaicho.go.jp/gaikoku/gaikoku-h19-04.pdf
The President of the Linnean Society, Professor David Cutler, welcomed Emperor Akihito for this special anniversary meeting, recalling the Imperial family’s long association with the Society. He described the many exciting current activities of the Society noting that its aim is to inspire, sustain, and develop openings for the enthusiasm of biologists of present and future generations so that they can carry on this vital work. He then invited His Majesty to address Linnean Society of London.
Emperor Akihito specialises in taxonomy (the classification of species) and has, for many years, conducted research on the taxonomy of goby fishes. Addressing the audience of 100 scientists and Fellows, including Sir David Attenborough and Professor Richard Fortey FRS, President of the Geological Society of London, both Fellows of the Linnean Society, The Emperor explored the importance of Linnaeus’ work, the history of binomial classification and its introduction to Japan, and his own research into goby fish.
Professor Fortey, responding on behalf of the Linnean Society, outlined the current international importance of taxonomy and the linkages that make science a unique global enterprise. Linnaeus was a great scientist who was dedicated to his subject. His example of hard work and enthusiasm are key to success in science and are needed in addressing the challenges of saving species and conserving biodiversity.
Afterwards, Their Majesties took the opportunity to converse and exchange views with Fellows of the Society in the Library and to view the many Tercentenary Projects that the Society is engaged in. The unique collections of Linnean specimens and correspondence are being made digitally available to allow full access globally and will be available at the end of the year. Of especial interest to Their Majesties were the recently published Order out of Chaos: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types, the Linnaean pearls, and the zoological collections that are still to be digitized.
The Society was honoured to be presented with a number of books for the Library, which included some of His Majesty’s recent publications in ichthyology. The President of the Society, Professor David Cutler, presented Emperor Akihito with the Linnaean Tercentenary Medal, specially designed by the award-winning medal designer, Felicity Powell. The Tercentenary Coordinator Dr Jennifer Edmonds presented Her Majesty with a Wedgwood Medallion of Linnaeus and a bouquet of flowers.
For more information please contact Elaine Shaughnessy, Head of Development, Linnean Society on +44 (0)207 434 4479.
PHOTOS
Viewing displays about the work of the Linnean Society in the library. (29 May)
© Tokyo Press Photographers Association
Related links
Visit to the United Kingdom by Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan: Press Release from the Japanese Embassy, UK
Keynote address by His Majesty The Emperor of Japan to the Linnean Society of London
Timesonline "Scientific Emperor holds Attenborough's attention"
Daily Telegraph online picture gallery: Japan's Emperor visits Britain
NOTE: Type in Linnean Society under search to source related articles
QUOTE: "Akihito, 73, pursued his passion for goby fish by giving a keynote speech at the Linnean Society of London, an academic natural history institution where he is an honorary member. The Emperor's speech was timed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the birth of Sweden's Carl Linnaeus, known as the father of modern taxonomy, who invented a method of classifying plants and animals"
Order out of Chaos
Notes for Editors:
The Linnean Society of London is the world’s oldest active biological society. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the great Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) who developed the system of binomial nomenclature. This system today provides the fundamental framework for knowledge of the biota of the Earth, supporting effective conservation measures and the sustainable use of biodiversity. The Society is the custodian of Linnaeus’ original library and collections and is creating a digital archive, enabling full global access. It encourages and communicates scientific advances through its three world-class journals, open meetings and website. The Society’s Fellowship is international and its Fellows are drawn from all walks of life including professional scientists and amateur naturalists. The Society welcomes anyone interested in natural history, in all its forms. www.linnean.org
