Voices of Science

David Davies (1939-), geophysicist, has had a varied career in scientific research, editing and management of social enterprises. His first career as a seismologist was spent at the University of Cambridge and the Lincoln Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where his work included the monitoring of seismic data to detect underground nuclear bomb tests. He returned to theUK in 1973 to edit the journal Nature, a post he held until 1979. The next phase of his career involved directing several organisations established by Michael Young, including the Dartington North Devon Trust and Dartington Hall Trust, North Yorkshire. During this period he also served on the Warnock Commission which was investigating questions around artificial human fertilisation. His final post before formal retirement was as director of the Open College of the Arts. In retirement he has been a voluntary prison visitor and continues his life-long involvement in music making.