Robert May, Baron May of Oxford, Australian-English zoologist, ecologist, and academic

Robert McCredie May, widely recognized as Baron May of Oxford and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building (HonFAIB), was an exceptionally influential Australian scientist whose remarkable career spanned from his birth on 8 January 1936 until his passing on 28 April 2020. His immense contributions profoundly impacted various sectors, including governmental policy, prestigious academic institutions, and the broader scientific community in both the United Kingdom and internationally. He was renowned for holding several high-profile positions that shaped the landscape of science and its application.

Key Leadership Roles and Contributions

Lord May's career was marked by his leadership in some of the most prominent scientific and governmental bodies. His unique blend of rigorous scientific insight and practical policy application made him an invaluable figure in British public life.

• Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government: Robert May served as the principal scientific adviser to the UK Government, a critical role that involves providing independent scientific and engineering advice to the Prime Minister and cabinet. This position ensures that government policy is informed by the best available scientific evidence, addressing complex challenges ranging from public health crises to environmental policy.
• President of the Royal Society: He also held the esteemed position of President of the Royal Society, the oldest continually existing scientific academy in the world, founded in 1660. As President, Lord May championed scientific excellence, promoted research across all fields of science, and advised on scientific policy. The Royal Society plays a crucial role in recognizing scientific achievement and fostering scientific understanding.

Distinguished Academic Career

Robert May maintained a strong connection with academia throughout his life, holding professorships at several world-leading universities. His academic affiliations underscored his commitment to research, teaching, and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

• University of Sydney: He began his academic journey in Australia, serving as a professor at the University of Sydney, one of Australia's premier universities, where he made significant early contributions to theoretical ecology.
• Princeton University: Later, he became a professor at Princeton University in the United States, an institution globally recognized for its research and academic excellence, particularly in theoretical biology and physics.
• Joint Professorships in the UK: Demonstrating his deep ties to British academia, Lord May held joint professorships at two distinguished UK institutions:
  • The University of Oxford, a globally renowned center for learning and research.
  • Imperial College London, a world-leading university specializing in science, engineering, medicine, and business.
  These joint appointments allowed him to bridge diverse academic disciplines and foster collaborative research environments.

Parliamentary Service and Public Engagement

Beyond his scientific and academic roles, Robert May dedicated a significant portion of his later career to public service within the UK Parliament.

• Crossbench Member of the House of Lords: From 2001 until his retirement from active participation in 2017, Lord May served as a crossbench member of the House of Lords. As a crossbencher, he was an independent peer, not affiliated with any political party, which allowed him to provide impartial scrutiny of government policy and contribute to legislative debates based purely on his expertise and judgment, particularly in matters related to science, technology, and the environment. His presence in the Lords ensured that scientific perspectives were well-represented at the highest levels of parliamentary decision-making.

Further Affiliations and Contributions

Lord May's commitment to advancing science extended to various other advisory and leadership roles within significant scientific organizations.

• Fellow of Merton College, Oxford: He was a distinguished Fellow of Merton College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, further solidifying his enduring connection to academic life.
• British Science Association Council: He was an appointed member of the council of the British Science Association, an organization dedicated to connecting people with science, inspiring young people, and promoting the wider engagement of society with science and technology.
• Advisory Council for the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE): Lord May also contributed his expertise to the advisory council for the Campaign for Science and Engineering. CaSE is a leading independent advocate for UK science and engineering, working to ensure that the UK has the talent, resources, and policies to be a world leader in these fields.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert May

Who was Robert McCredie May?

Robert McCredie May, also known as Baron May of Oxford, was a highly influential Australian scientist who held prominent leadership roles in science, government, and academia in the UK and internationally. He was known for his work as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government and President of the Royal Society, among other distinguished positions.

What significant roles did Robert May hold in the UK?

In the UK, Robert May served as the Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government and was the President of the Royal Society. He also held joint professorships at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, and was a crossbench member of the House of Lords.

Which universities was Robert May affiliated with?

Robert May held professorships at several esteemed universities, including the University of Sydney (Australia), Princeton University (USA), and jointly at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London (UK).

What was Robert May's involvement with the UK Parliament?

From 2001 until 2017, Robert May served as a crossbench member of the House of Lords, the second chamber of the UK Parliament. As an independent peer, he contributed to legislative scrutiny and debates, particularly offering expert insights on scientific and environmental policy without party affiliation.

Beyond his primary roles, what other scientific organizations did Robert May contribute to?

Aside from his top-tier roles, Robert May was a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford, an appointed member of the council for the British Science Association, and a member of the advisory council for the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE).