2010 was a turbulent year for London science. The top dog changed in at least six of the major organisations, including both the Royal Institution and the Royal Society (see dates below). So I thought it might be useful to put together a brief crib sheet of notable notables in the London science scene. This is intended as a work in progress, and I’ll update the page according to suggestions from readers. Please put any suggested additions in the comments and I’ll update the post as necessary.

Note: I’ve left off big academic scientists at this point (with the exception of Imperial’s rector), but will be happy to add them if requested.

Note also how depressingly male-dominated this list is.

Astronomer Royal

Martin Rees (1995-present)

Notable predecessors: Edmond Halley, John Flamsteed

British Science Association

President: Lord Sainsbury of Turville (2010-present).

Notable predecessors: Robert Winston, David King, Robert May

Cancer Research UK

Chief Executive: Harpul S Kumar (2007-present)

Imperial College

Rector: Sir Keith O’Nions (2010-present)

Notable predecessors: Richard Sykes, Roy Anderson (more)

Medical Research Council

Chief Executive Officer: Sir John Savill (2010-present)

Notable predecessors: Colin Blakemore (more)

Natural History Museum

Director: Michael Dixon (2004-present)

Notable predecessors: Richard Owen

Nature

Editor-in-Chief: Phil Campbell (1995-present)

Notable predecessors: John Maddox

Royal Institution

Chairman: Richard Sykes (2010-persent)

Notable predecessors (as Director and other terms): Susan Greenfield, William Bragg, James Dewar, Michael Faraday, Humphry Davy.

Royal Society

President: Paul Nurse (2010-present)

Notable predecessors: Martin Rees, Lord Rayleigh, Lord Kelvin, Lord Lister, Humphry Davy, Joseph Banks, Hans Sloane, Isaac Newton, Christopher Wren (and many more).

Science Museum

Director: Ian Blatchford (2010-present)

Notable predecessors: Chris Rapley

Wellcome Trust

Director: Mark Walport (2003-present)