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UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN Ian Alexander, head of the department of plant and soil science, keeper of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, co-director, Conoco Natural History Centre and member of the board of the Management, Land Management and Environmental Science Research Centre, Aberdeen Research Consortium, has been appointed Regius professor of botany.

UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM Professorships from October 1: Adrian Darnell, senior lecturer in economics; Ranald Michie, reader in history; Colin Warbrick, senior lecturer in law; Bill Williamson, director of the department of adult and continuing education; Rodney Wilson, reader in economics.

GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE Simon Shephard, former professor of drama at the department of English studies, Nottingham University, has been appointed to the chair of drama; Timothy Valentine, lecturer at the University of Durham, has been appointed as professor of psychology from January 1. The following have been promoted to professorships: Nick de Ville, reader, professor of visual arts; Bill McCormack, senior lecturer, professor ofliterary history; Vic Sielder, reader, professor of social theory.